Context:

To take ahead the 'LiFE' - 'Lifestyle for Environment' movement announced by the  Prime Minister in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has introduced two pioneering initiatives that indicate the country's pro-active approach to climate change, sustainability and promotion eco-conscious practices. These initiatives are:-

1. The Green Credit Program (GCP)

2.  The Ecomark Scheme

These initiatives seek to encourage environmentally friendly practices rooted in tradition and conservation; reflecting the ideas of LiFE  concept.

About LiFE:-

• The idea of LiFE was introduced by India during the 26^th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
• The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilisation’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption.
• The Mission plans to create and nurture a global network of individuals, namely ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3)

Green Credit Program (GCP): Incentivizing Environmental Actions
 

1. Green Credit Program (GCP )notified on 13th October, 2023 is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
2. The GCP's governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
3. In its initial phase, the GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation.
4.  A user-friendly digital platform will streamline the processes for registration of projects, its verification, and issuance of Green Credits. The Green Credit Registry and trading platform, being developed by ICFRE along with experts, would facilitate the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of Green Credits.
5. Thirteen state forest departments have offered 387 land parcels totaling nearly 10,983 hectares of degraded forest land for afforestation projects under the GCP.
6. Successful participants will receive estimates of the costs involved in their chosen afforestation projects, facilitating informed decision-making and planning.

Ecomark Scheme: Promoting Eco-Friendly Products

1. The Ecomark Scheme, notified on 13th October 2023.
2. It provides accreditation and labelling for household and consumer products that meet specific environmental criteria while maintaining quality standards as per Indian norms.
3.  Products accredited under the Ecomark Scheme will adhere to specific environmental criteria, ensuring minimal environmental impact. It will build consumer awareness of environmental issues and encourage eco-conscious choices.
4.  It will also motivate manufacturers to shift towards environmentally friendly production. The scheme seeks to ensure accurate labelling and prevent misleading information about products.
5. The Central Pollution Control Board administers the Ecomark Scheme in partnership with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), which is the national body for standards and certification.

Conclusion:

Both initiatives mark significant steps in promoting sustainable living, environmental conservation, and, through individual and collective choice, embody eco-friendly practices in India. They align with global sustainability goals and reflect the government's commitment to conservation and protection of the environment.