India’s concept of Green Elections integrates sustainability into the electoral process, minimizing environmental harm through eco-friendly practices. It represents a transformative approach, aligning democratic participation with ecological responsibility and encouraging citizens and political parties to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors during elections.
Green Elections refer to eco-conscious electoral practices aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of elections. Measures include using biodegradable materials, avoiding plastics, promoting digital campaigning, and encouraging voters to participate in conservation activities such as tree planting.
The initiative arose from concerns over the environmental impact of traditional election campaigns, particularly plastic waste. A 2019 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimated that Indian elections generate nearly 6,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from campaign materials alone.
Digital platforms enable parties to reach voters without paper-based promotions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint from printing and transportation, thereby contributing to greener elections.
EVMs greatly reduce the use of paper during polling. The Election Commission estimates that EVMs saved over 11,500 tonnes of paper during the 2024 elections—equivalent to approximately two lakh trees.
Voters are encouraged to plant one sapling for every vote cast, linking civic duty with environmental responsibility. This symbolic action makes democracy participatory in both political and ecological terms.
Eco-themed polling booths with green decor and environmental symbolism foster positivity and awareness, helping citizens associate voting with sustainability and creating a culture of eco-democratic responsibility.
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