India, as one of the world’s largest contributors to carbon emissions, faces significant challenges in combating climate change. However, amidst these challenges, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has embarked on a unique and innovative campaign called “Wrinkles Achche Hai.” This campaign, which translates to “Wrinkles are Good,” encourages a simple yet effective lifestyle change among CSIR staff, students, and employees across its 37 laboratories nationwide.
The premise of the campaign is straightforward: participants are encouraged to wear non-ironed clothes every Monday until May 15. While this may seem like a small gesture, the campaign sheds light on the environmental impact of a seemingly mundane activity—ironing clothes. According to CSIR, the act of ironing contributes to the emission of 100-200 grams of CO2 per garment, a significant amount considering the scale of ironing activities worldwide.
In a notice issued by CSIR, it was revealed that ironing consumes a considerable amount of power, far surpassing other common household activities such as using a light bulb. With irons consuming anywhere between 800-1200 watts of power, the campaign underscores the importance of reducing energy-intensive practices, particularly in a country where a significant portion of electricity is generated from coal.
The inspiration behind the “Wrinkles Achche Hai” campaign stems from the Energy Swaraj Foundation, spearheaded by Chetan Singh Solanki, a professor at IIT-Bombay. The foundation advocates for “Mission Life,” a movement centered on promoting sustainable lifestyle choices to mitigate environmental degradation. By adopting a philosophy of simplicity and mindfulness, the foundation aims to empower individuals to take meaningful actions towards protecting the planet.
However, while the “Wrinkles Achche Hai” campaign embodies a commendable effort to address climate change at the grassroots level, it does not come without its criticisms. Some have pointed out the irony that CSIR and its partner, the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), are associated with industries notorious for their environmental impact. As the leather industry is known for its high levels of pollution, the juxtaposition of promoting environmental sustainability while being linked to a polluting industry raises valid concerns.
Established in 1942 by Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, CSIR has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between industry and scientific research in India. Over the years, CSIR has been at the forefront of numerous scientific breakthroughs, including the development of indelible ink used in elections. Despite its achievements, the institution recognizes the urgent need for collective action to address the pressing issue of climate change.
