Mission Suchitwa’s green election campaign called Green Button in collaboration with the Election Commission of India (EC) is gaining momentum across Kerala. The initiative aims to reduce the amount of waste produced during elections.
As in the recent local body polls, the agency hopes to reduce wastage during the assembly elections as well. This time the concept of going green was creatively mixed with the symbolism of the vote button for the campaign title.
“The key objective is to discourage political parties, candidates and news agencies from using banned materials. By using only permitted materials, waste generation can be minimized while used campaign materials can be recycled into valuable products,” said Mission State Program Officer Ameersha.
Accordingly, intensive measures structured into three key phases – pre-election, election and post-election activities – are being launched. According to him, an election campaign is currently underway.
“Prohibited materials include non-recyclable materials and single-use items. These are not allowed in any election process and strict enforcement is being followed. Enforcement units have started confiscating prohibited items and imposing fines on defaulters,” Mr. Ameersha said.
About 6,711 tons of waste was expected to be generated during the local body elections, according to the estimate of government agencies, he pointed out. “Part of this was disposable cups and banners, the use of which could be reduced by up to 90%. It was estimated that 1,376 tons of waste would be generated from such materials, but this can be significantly reduced,” he added.
Election day campaigning revolves around the concept of “green booths”. Mr. Ameersha said this does not mean decorating the venue with coconut leaves or other materials. “There should be waste sorting facilities and polling stations should be kept as clean premises,” he added. Waste management should also be introduced in political party offices on election day.
The post-election campaign aims to ensure that banners and other articles are removed by political parties and handed over to waste management agencies. “If they don’t clean up the premises, they will be fined,” he added. “If the green protocol is followed, waste can be reduced by 60% to 70%. Avoiding prohibited items can ensure 100% recycling and further minimize waste,” said Mr. Ameersha.
Published – 29 March 2026 23:39 IST
