MUMBAI: ITC in a corporate social endeavour has unveiled its environmental awareness programme 'Sunfeast Hara Banao Campaign'. The campaign had a registered participation of over 70,000 students from over 100 schools spread across Mumbai.

The environmental campaign, which extended for a period of six (06) months culminated in an inter school project contest, which was inaugurated by Ravi Naware, ITC divisional chief executive foods business at 'The Club' in Andheri today.

The campaign essentially showcased the creativity of over 70,000 children between the age group of 11-15 years. The exhibits displayed by the participants were based on their learning's gained through various environmental awareness activities carried out as a part of the 'Sunfeast Hara Banao campaign'.

Speaking on the occasion Naware said, 'We believe that corporate social responsibility is not an externalised activity nor is it only philanthropy. It is an internal process reflecting the soul of the Company. Initiative such as 'Sunfeast Hara Banao Campaign' is oriented towards this governing philosophy'.

ITC Foods along with award winning environmentalist Sunjoy Monga, have designed this campaign which focusses at bringing to light factors deteriorating our environment. Over the last six months a detailed programme was undertaken orientating school children on topics such as:

• Reduction in usage of plastic bags: School children were given practical lessons on the disadvantages of plastic bags and the adversities faced thereof (Plastic bags is one the leading damaging components of the environment), recycling of plastic to minimize usage of plastic bags
  
  
• Use of alternative materials: Step-by-step instruction in using alternate material such as waste paper to a make paper bags instead of plastic bags
  
  
• Encourage butterfly gardens: A team of experts educated and introduced children to the concept of 'Butterfly Gardens', wherein special plants are grown whereby creating a natural habitat for butterflies to breed
  
  
• Signature Drive: A pledge from people in support of Sunfeast Hara Banao Campaign for a better tomorrow. A total of about two million signatures have been obtained by the students as a part of the drive

As recognition of their efforts, about 2000 participants have been presented gifts during the 'Sunfeast Hara Banao Campaign'. The winning schools in the inter-school project competition will recieve trophies, prizes and certificates.