Thrifting Culture Redefining the Environmental Sustainability among Youths

The rising popularity of thrifting culture among youths is reshaping consumer habits and contributing significantly to environmental sustainability. Thrifting, a concept that involves purchasing second-hand clothes and goods, has emerged as a meaningful alternative to fast fashion—a sector notorious for its environmental degradation. 

Source:https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/thrifting-in-india-platforms-like-instagram-paving-a-new-way-to-sell-and-shop-7388509/

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that the fashion industry accounts for nearly 10% of global carbon emissions and contributes around 20% of the world’s wastewater. Youth-led thrifting movements are helping reduce this impact by extending the lifecycle of clothing and diverting waste from landfills, ultimately fostering a culture of mindful consumption. 

Governments and international organizations have recognized the environmental benefits of second-hand consumption. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that textiles account for 5.8% of total municipal solid waste, much of which can be reduced through reuse and recycling. Thrifting promotes circular economy principles and encourages keeping resources in use longer, extracting maximum value before recovery and regeneration, thereby reducing resource extraction and pollution. 

In a country like India, where the fashion industry contributes significantly to industrial water pollution, the shift toward thrifting culture is gaining traction among urban youths. Online resale platforms and Instagram-based preloved shops are growing in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) promotes waste minimization strategies under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), aligning with the reuse ethos of thrifting. These emerging trends help reduce textile waste in India’s urban centers while encouraging more eco-conscious behavior. 

Youth engagement in thrifting is also driven by affordability and individuality. Thrift platforms offer budget-friendly, unique fashion choices, encouraging environmentally conscious consumption. The International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights how such choices can also reduce demand for exploitative fast fashion supply chains. 

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12 promotes responsible consumption and production, with youth-led thrifting aligning closely with its targets. As this movement expands, policymakers should support local second-hand markets and awareness campaigns to amplify its environmental benefits and long-term societal impact. Thus, thrifting culture is more than a trend and is becoming a sustainable lifestyle with real environmental impact. With continued support, it can help shape a more climate-conscious generation committed to responsible consumption.

 

Ecofriendly Living Promising Psychological and Physiological Positivity

Eco-friendly living is increasingly recognized not only for its environmental benefits but also for its profound impact on psychological and physiological well-being. Recent global studies and reports underscore the positive effects of sustainable lifestyles on mental and physical health.

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that exposure to natural environments, such as green spaces and forests, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while enhancing cognitive functions and overall mental health. Similarly, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) emphasizes that clean air, water, and access to green spaces are crucial for mental health, contributing to reduced mortality and morbidity. 

Physiologically, sustainable living practices lead to improved air quality and reduced exposure to toxins, which in turn decrease the risk of respiratory issues, heart disease, and certain cancers. Activities like walking or cycling contribute to reducing carbon emissions and support heart health and improve physical fitness. According to the National Institutes of Health, even moderate exposure to natural elements can lead to measurable drops in cortisol levels and blood pressure. 

Biodiversity plays a significant role in mental well-being. Studies indicate that environment rich in diverse natural features such as various plant species, birds, and waterways—are associated with better mental health outcomes compared to less diverse settings. These benefits can last for several hours after exposure, highlighting the importance of preserving natural habitats. Moreover, regular interaction with nature fosters a sense of belonging, mindfulness, and emotional stability. 

In the Indian context, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has acknowledged the link between environmental factors and health outcomes. Urban initiatives promoting green spaces and sustainable transportation are being implemented to enhance public health. Furthermore, traditional practices like Ayurveda emphasize harmony with nature, aligning with modern sustainable living principles. 

Recent efforts under the LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement launched by the Indian government in 2024 advocate for individual actions that protect the planet while improving health. Adopting eco-friendly lifestyles globally not only mitigates environmental degradation but also fosters a healthier, more resilient population. As evidence mounts on the health benefits of sustainable living, integrating these practices into daily life becomes imperative for individual and collective well-being. Eco-conscious decisions today are investments to a happier, healthier tomorrow.

  

Digging Deeper into the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme

In 2024, the global carbon credit trading landscape experienced notable changes, particularly with the operationalization of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement during COP29 in Baku. This mechanism aims to create a centralized market under UN supervision where countries and private actors can trade emission reduction credits generated through verified mitigation projects. It is seen as a key tool to achieve global net-zero targets by allowing countries with lower mitigation costs to sell excess reductions to others. 

Source: https://www.insightsonindia.com/2023/03/30/draft-carbon-credit-trading-scheme/ 

However, experts caution that issues around additionality, double counting, and low-quality credits could undermine environmental integrity and public trust in the system. Countries like Singapore have made strategic investments to establish themselves as carbon trading hubs. In 2024, Singapore introduced new transparency measures and expanded its registry system to ensure robust emissions data and verification standards. 

The city-state's efforts are helping build a credible market in Asia by supporting cross-border carbon credit trade. In contrast, Canada faced a political setback when public resistance led to the rollback of its carbon pricing scheme despite its environmental merits. This serves as a reminder that public engagement and clarity in policy design are crucial for long-term viability.

At the same time, the voluntary carbon market is growing, with multinational corporations increasingly investing in nature-based offsets. 

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has introduced Core Carbon Principles in 2024 to improve the quality and credibility of offsets, reflecting the growing global demand for transparent and standardized carbon credit systems. India has also taken a significant step by notifying the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) in July 2024. This scheme lays the foundation for a compliant carbon market targeting emissions-intensive sectors such as power and manufacturing. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been designated as the administering authority to issue and monitor carbon credit certificates. 

In parallel, a voluntary market framework is being developed for non-mandated entities. The current design covers only about 30% of India’s total emissions, highlighting the need for broader sectoral inclusion and stricter verification processes. Global and national efforts alike indicate that while carbon credit trading holds promise, rigorous standards, robust infrastructure, and adaptive governance will ultimately determine its long-term effectiveness and global credibility.

 

Elements of Green Businesses with Efficient Cost-reduction Strategies

Green businesses are emerging as key drivers of sustainable economic growth, delivering both environmental advantages and significant cost savings. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices often discover increased operational efficiency and reduced long-term expenses. For example, energy-efficient building designs can reduce energy use by up to 30%, cutting electricity bills and improving workplace comfort.

Green businesses are emerging as key drivers of sustainable economic growth, delivering both environmental advantages and significant cost savings. Companies that embrace eco-friendly practices often discover increased operational efficiency and reduced long-term expenses. For example, energy-efficient building designs can reduce energy use by up to 30%, cutting electricity bills and improving workplace comfort.

Source:https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/sustainability/does-adhering-to-green-practices-add-costs-for-businesses/articleshow/109391491.cms?from=mdr

These strategies are improving energy efficiency within facilities. By investing in green building designs, energy-efficient lighting, insulation, and smart climate control systems, businesses can reduce energy consumption by 25% to 30% and cut operational costs by up to 20%. These savings stem from technologies like LED lighting, smart thermostats, and efficient HVAC systems that lower repair needs, making businesses more resilient to energy price increases.

Supply chain sustainability is another key element. Whereas a company’s indirect GHG emissions, i.e., Scope 3 emissions, accounting for 70-90% of total emissions, offer a major opportunity for cost reduction. By addressing these emissions, businesses can optimize logistics, reduce waste, and lower costs. In India, where supply chains span vast geographies and infrastructure challenges persist, cleaner transport solutions can significantly reduce inefficiencies and fuel costs. Governments also offer incentives and tax breaks for such initiatives, improving their financial viability.

Adopting renewable energy is a key driver of cost reduction. Solar energy costs have declined by more than 80% over the past decade, enabling businesses that adopt it to reduce their annual energy bills by 10% to 30%. With India’s vast solar potential and initiatives like the PM-KUSUM and Solar Park schemes, commercial adoption of renewables is increasingly feasible and financially attractive. This transition cuts costs and enhances corporate reputation in today’s eco-conscious market.

The circular economy, focuses on reuse, repair, and recycling, also reduces waste disposal and material costs. Designing products for longevity can lower material expenses by 15-20% and reduce waste management costs by up to 25%. India’s growing e-waste and plastic recycling sectors offer opportunities to reduce raw material dependence while supporting national sustainability goals. Green finance now provides easier access to capital for eco-friendly upgrades.

Altogether, integrating energy efficiency, sustainable supply chains, renewable energy, and circular economy principles enables green businesses to reduce costs and lead in a market shaped by sustainability expectations.

 

"Wishcycling", a Global Recycling Concern that Needs to be Addressed on Priority

Many people engage in recycling with sincere intentions to help the environment. However, a practice known as "wishcycling"—placing non-recyclable items into recycling bins in the hope they will be processed has emerged as a significant global issue. While well-intentioned, it causes significant harm to the recycling process.

Sources: https://roguedisposal.com/resources/education/recycling/are-you-recycling-or-wishcycling

This misguided behavior leads to the contamination of recycling streams, increased processing costs, and environmental harm. Items such as greasy pizza boxes, plastic bags, and certain plastics often end up causing more harm than good. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), improper sorting by consumers is a significant barrier to efficient recycling.

Wishcycling affects both developed and developing countries. In the United Kingdom, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reported in 2022 that over 80% of households include non-recyclable items in recycling bins, resulting in contamination. Similarly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) noted in its 2023 report that confusion about what is recyclable contributes to waste mismanagement. 

In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) indicated that only 30% of the 3.4 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually is effectively recycled. Much of the waste is incorrectly segregated or ends up in informal recycling channels, making wishcycling a contributor to urban waste problems. Despite the Swachh Bharat Mission's efforts, municipal bodies still struggle with awareness and infrastructure gaps. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has emphasized the need for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and education to address these issues across the country. 

Solving wishcycling demands systematic changes and public participation. Clear communication and public education are fundamental. Government agencies, including the European Environment Agency (EEA), advocate for standardized recycling labels and awareness campaigns. In 2024, UNEP called for harmonized recycling systems worldwide to reduce confusion and improve recovery rates. Technological innovations in sorting infrastructure, supported by policy reforms, are also crucial. 

Wishcycling may stem from good intentions, but its consequences are costly and far-reaching. It threatens recycling efficiency, increases burdens and delays progress toward sustainable waste management. Governments, industries, and individuals must collaborate to improve education and infrastructure, including reducing waste. A shift in recycling behavior is urgently essential worldwide.

 

Green Energy & Mobility Making Way for Sustainable Transitions to Net Zero

As the world faces the mounting threat of climate change, transitioning to net-zero emissions has become a global priority. The International Energy Agency (IEA) emphasizes that over 70% of global emissions come from the energy and transport sectors, making clean energy and sustainable mobility solutions central to climate action. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), achieving net zero by 2050 requires an energy transformation grounded in renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, and innovative transport solutions. 

Source:https://auto.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/commercial-vehicle/mhcv/greencell-mobility-to-deploy-50-electric-buses-in-4-districts-of-maharashtra/91592445

Governments, industries, and societies must work in synergy to achieve this monumental transition. Green energy especially solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal—now powers more of the world than ever before. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) reports that renewables accounted for 86% of all new power capacity in 2023, signalling a structural shift in energy systems. Simultaneously, green mobility is gaining traction with rapid investments in electric vehicles (EVs), fuel cell technology, and low-emission public transit. 

The European Union’s Green Deal, the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act, and China’s EV leadership are setting benchmarks for clean transitions on a global scale. Sustainable mobility is not limited to vehicles. The World Bank notes that urban transport contributes significantly to carbon emissions but also offers major mitigation opportunities. Strategies such as promoting non-motorized transport, enhancing public transit and adopting smart mobility systems are vital. As cities grow, so does the urgency to integrate green infrastructure and mobility planning into national and urban policies. 

Furthermore, the Indian government has also shown unprecedented commitment to push for a green energy revolution through the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The expansion of solar capacity highlights its strong climate commitment. India is promoting e-mobility across the cities under the FAME scheme. The country aims to achieve 50% cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030, as per its revised Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). 

Though challenges remain, globally the efforts have been scaled but ambitions are influencing the sustainability trends. A net-zero future is not a distant vision; it is a necessity now. With strategic investment, supportive policy, and global cooperation, green energy and sustainable mobility can reshape the world into a cleaner, more resilient, and equitable planet for all.

 

White Hydrogen Offers a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Hydrogen Production

Hydrogen is emerging as a leading clean energy source, but its production methods vary widely in sustainability. Traditional methods, such as grey hydrogen and blue hydrogen, have significant environmental costs. Green hydrogen is a cleaner renewable energy source, but expensive and energy-intensive. 

Source: https://montel.energy/resources/blog/what-is-white-hydrogen 

Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, white hydrogen doesn’t involve fossil fuel processing, making it carbon-free. This is a lesser-known but promising solution which is naturally occurring hydrogen found underground. This geologic hydrogen is emitted from the Earth’s crust through natural processes, requiring no carbon-intensive production methods, making it a truly sustainable and low-cost energy source. 

The potential of white hydrogen lies in its ability to bypass the emissions and infrastructure challenges that plague synthetic hydrogen production. It is considered a "geological gift" that could transform the global clean energy transition. Unlike green hydrogen, which requires a significant amount of renewable electricity and water, white hydrogen is naturally sourced and can be tapped similarly to oil and gas.

Recent discoveries in Mali, France, Australia, the U.S., Russia, and Brazil suggest there could be vast untapped reserves. According to a 2023 Science report, these natural reserves have the potential to deliver clean energy at significantly lower costs than conventional hydrogen. It has positioned white hydrogen as a transformative solution for decarbonization, climate action, and sustainable energy security.

In the Indian context, where the government is pushing forward with its National Green Hydrogen Mission, the discovery and use of white hydrogen could revolutionize the country’s clean energy ambitions. With India’s high energy demand and limited renewable infrastructure in certain regions, accessing natural hydrogen could reduce reliance on imported fuels and bridge the gap in clean hydrogen supply. India’s geological diversity, especially in regions like the Deccan Traps and the Himalayas, may offer untapped potential for white hydrogen exploration.

Early investment in research and surveys across the globe could help gain a strategic advantage in this emerging field. As nations race to meet their climate targets, white hydrogen offers an overlooked yet sustainable and economically viable path forward. Ongoing research and exploration efforts, supported by international cooperation, could unlock this natural energy source and usher in a cleaner, more equitable energy future.

 

Forest Finance: World is Transforming Existing Funding Mechanism to Close the Gap

Forests are a great source for regulating climate, biodiversity, and livelihoods. To protect them Forest finance is a concept that talks about investing in the planet’s health, resilient economies, and a sustainable future besides protecting trees. However, a significant financing gap continues to hinder conservation efforts. To address this, global stakeholders are transforming traditional funding models by embracing mechanisms that blend public, philanthropic, and private capital. This shift reflects growing recognition that forest preservation is not just an environmental priority, but a smart investment in global stability and economic resilience. 

Source: https://www.usi.ch/en/feeds/30517

One major initiative is the Mobilizing Finance for Forests (MFF) program, launched by the UK government and the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank. It focuses on putting 850 million pounds in private investments to conserve tropical forests in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In April 2024, the World Bank introduced new financial tools to expand development lending, including forest-related projects backed by 11 countries.

The Global Environment Facility (GEF), a key source of multilateral biodiversity funding, received $5.33 billion in pledges for its 2022–2026 cycle, reinforcing global commitment to ecological priorities. Still, imbalances persist. A 2025 report found that for every $1 spent on forest protection, $6 supports deforestation drivers such as industrial agriculture and logging. This highlights the urgency of redirecting financial flows toward sustainable land use.

In India also, forest finance is gaining traction. In March 2023, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) committed INR 520 crore to a project in West Bengal to enhance biodiversity, resilience, and livelihoods. The World Bank, in November 2024, approved a forest revitalization project for Tripura and Nagaland, to provide employment opportunities to over 60,000 individuals and support forest-based entrepreneurship. These efforts reflect a shift in India’s approach toward integrating forest health with local development and climate action. 

To close remaining gaps, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is also helping countries access REDD+ financing, diversify funding, and strengthen technical capacity for forest management. Regional collaboration and transparency are emphasized to ensure inclusive outcomes. Transformation in forest finance is underway and sustained collaboration, fair resource allocation, and innovation will help to scale up and safeguard forest conservation for future generations.

 

Regional Disparities Posing Challenges for India to Achieve SDG Targets

As of 2024, global progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 has been mixed. India is also in the quest of achieving them timely, but its progress is intricately linked to addressing regional disparities across its states and union territories. The NITI Aayog's SDG India Index 2023-24 reveals significant variations in progress, underscoring the challenges these disparities pose to the nation's overall advancement. 

Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032857 

As per SDG India Index 2023-24, India's national SDG score improved to 71 in 2023-24, up from 66 in 2020-21. This reflects advancements in areas like poverty eradication, economic growth, climate action, and life on land. However, this national progress conceals substantial inter-state disparities. States like Sikkim and Goa have achieved higher per capita incomes, with Sikkim's per capita income estimated at approximately ₹588,000 in the FY 2024, and Goa's at around ₹492,648. In contrast, Bihar's per capita income remains significantly lower, estimated at over ₹60,000 during the same period. 

These economic disparities are further accentuated at the district level. For example, in Uttar Pradesh, the per capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) was reported at ₹93,514 in March 2024, reflecting an increase from ₹84,125 in March 2023. Such disparities highlight the uneven distribution of economic development within states.

These pronounced disparities pose significant challenges to India's attainment of the SDGs. States lagging in economic development, infrastructure, healthcare, and education may struggle to meet targets related to poverty alleviation, quality education, and health and well-being. The uneven distribution of resources and opportunities can hinder national efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.

To mitigate these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is essential. Implementing policies tailored to the specific needs of underperforming regions can address unique challenges and leverage local strengths. Enhancing education and skill development programs can improve productivity and economic prospects.

Besides this, improving physical and digital infrastructure can attract investments and facilitate economic activities. Strengthening institutional capacities at the local level can ensure the effective implementation of development programs. Addressing regional disparities is crucial to fostering equitable growth and development across all regions of the country. It will help the nation to ensure steady progress toward sustainability so that no one can be left behind.