Nestlé Pakistan launches beach cleaning drive in Karachi

KARACHI: Nestlé Pakistan launched its global initiative ‘Nestlé Cares’ with a beach cleaning drive in connection to the World Oceans Day at Sea View Beach, Karachi.

Nestlé Cares, the company’s Employee Volunteer Program, is aimed at enhancing volunteer activities under one global concept. Initiatives under the Nestle Cares’ volunteer programs will provide employees the opportunity to make an impact by engaging and assisting local communities. The event was attended by the Provincial Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Taimur Talpur and Commissioner Karachi, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani among others.

Over 100 volunteers, including employees of Nestlé Pakistan, representatives from National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH), and Consumer Association of Pakistan (CAP) participated in the clean-up activity inculcating a sense of ownership and civic responsibility as they played their role in reducing plastic waste and marine pollution by collecting and sorting plastic disposal at the Sea View shoreline.

While addressing the ceremony, Chief Guest Taimur Talpur, Provincial Minister for Environment and Climate Change said, “I commend Nestle for their role in fostering a behavior change starting from within by educating, engaging and mobilising individuals and by providing them the means to act and contribute towards impactful change. It’s high time that more organizations such as Nestlé take part and play their role in shaping a waste-free future.”

Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, while sharing his views said, “Over the years, thousands of Nestlé employees worldwide have donated their time in supporting activities focused on having a positive impact on individuals and families, our communities and the planet. ‘Nestlé Cares’ is one of the ways we bring our purpose and values to life.”

Commissioner Karachi, Iftikhar Ali Shallwani who also graced the event, said, “I am delighted to be a part of this initiative with Nestlé Pakistan as it’s geared towards encouraging citizens of Karachi for keeping their city clean and plastic-waste free.”

Nestlé Pakistan is taking steps and introducing various initiatives in its manufacturing units and beyond, to demonstrate its respect for the future. It is working towards the day when, through efficiencies and new technologies, it can reduce its environmental impact to zero. Nestlé believes that with the right approach, plastic packaging can be collected or recycled without having a detrimental impact. Nestlé’s ambition is that by 2025, 100 percent of its packaging should be recyclable or reusable.

Naeem Qureshi, President National Forum for Environment & Health said, “Plastic waste is the largest cause of pollution of rivers and oceans in Pakistan. This cleanup initiative with Nestlé is in line with our long-term ambition and commitment to stop plastic seepage into the environment and avoid further accumulation of plastics in environmental landscape.”

Talking about the drive, Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman Consumer Association of Pakistan stated, “Organizations should come together for implementing such initiatives to establish common goals for protecting the environment.”

Special Assistant to Chief Minister Sindh Qasim Naveed, government officials, members of civil society, and community volunteers also participated in the activity.