In a powerful confluence of creativity, advocacy, and environmental action, WWF-Kolkata partnered with the ESEDS School of Design at Techno India University (TIU), West Bengal, to commemorate World Environment Day. The collaborative event spotlighted critical environmental consciousness and the urgent need to address plastic waste through the innovative lens of design.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Chief Guest Dr. Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata – East & North East India, and Dr. Sangita Mitra, Director of WWF-India (West Bengal State Office). Both lauded the institution’s pioneering efforts in seamlessly integrating design education with sustainable practices. Special Guest Mrs. Banani Kakkar, Chairperson, State Advisory Board, WWF India & Founder – President of People United for Better Living in Kolkata (PUBLIC), also delivered a compelling message, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in environmental stewardship.
A pivotal moment of the day was the grand unveiling of the “Design for Life” exhibition. This remarkable showcase of student innovation demonstrated the potential of design to tackle environmental challenges, particularly through the creative reuse of plastics and e-waste, and by exploring sustainability within fashion and interiors. The exhibition featured two groundbreaking collections:
- E-Waste to Art: One collection was entirely crafted from e-waste, where students ingeniously transformed discarded electronics into expressive, wearable art pieces, challenging perceptions of waste.
- Upcycled Couture: The second collection presented upcycled couture, breathing new life into old, unused garments. These designs not only exemplified refined aesthetics but also underscored a powerful purpose – reducing textile waste.
Complementing these collections, a series of accompanying installations offered immersive visual narratives. These powerful displays brought environmental issues to life, viewed through the unique and impactful lens of creative design, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the audience.
Further solidifying its commitment to environmental responsibility, ESEDS at TIU utilized the occasion to formally pledge a significant initiative: becoming a plastic-free campus. This landmark move represents a tangible stride towards the school’s broader mission of cultivating climate-responsible design practices within its academic environment.
For ESEDS at TIU, World Environment Day transcended a mere celebration. It served as a vivid demonstration of how design can be a powerful catalyst for impactful change. The successful collaboration with WWF-West Bengal unequivocally underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to aligning creativity with climate-conscious action, thereby paving the way for the next generation of responsible and environmentally aware designers.