Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC celebrates World Environment Day 2023

Bogawantalawa Tea Estates PLC (BTE) is celebrating World Environment Day – 2023 with a focus on the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution.

Joining forces with upcountry and low country estates, Bogawantalawa Tea Ceylon (PVT) LTD as well as sister companies, took the opportunity to raise awareness and take action on crucial environmental issues, emphasising their collective responsibility towards sustainability, the company said in a media release.

To mark the 50^th anniversary of World Environment Day, BTE has planned a series of activities from June 5 to 10 as part of raising awareness and taking collective responsibility to protect the planet. These initiatives are created to generate a lasting impact and encourage individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices beyond this special day, promoting a year-round commitment to environmental stewardship.

"Sustainability is in our DNA, and we take pride in being at the forefront of efforts that set a new direction for the industry." Chairman of BTE Dinesh Ambani said. “At BTE, sustainability is woven into the fabric of our day-to-day business operations. With a deep commitment to our people, the communities we serve, and the planet, sustainability is more than just a practice—it is a way of life at Bogawantalawa. Our dedicated team is fully committed to producing sustainable teas that push the boundaries of excellence,” he added.

Marking the commencement of the week-long programme, BTE hosted a ‘Plastic Waste Awareness Campaign’ on June 5 with the aim of educating its employees and the public. Posters, flyers, and social media content highlighting the detrimental effects of plastic waste on the environment and encouraging sustainable alternatives like reusable bags, bottles, and containers were generated to raise awareness.

On June 6 and 7, in collaboration with schools islandwide, BTE implemented educational programmes on plastic waste reduction through interactive presentations, workshops, and competitions aimed at inspiring them to adopt sustainable practices. The competition encouraged students to generate creative ideas to reduce plastic waste in their schools and homes.

Recognising the significance of keeping streams and waterways clean, BTE has organised a water streams, catchments and watershed cleaning program on June 8.

In addition to these efforts, a reforestation project will be launched on June 9 in a bid to combat climate change. The tree planting campaign is held in collaboration with the local community, schools, and environmental organisations, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the planet.