Earth Day, observed annually on April 22, is likely to have already made its way into your WhatsApp inbox through quotes, greetings, or recycled images of lush landscapes. But the significance of Earth Day runs far deeper than a momentary message or a trending hashtag.
What began in 1970 as a modest environmental movement has since grown into a global call to action, encouraging millions to take steps, both large and small, to preserve the planet’s natural resources and beauty. Over the decades, the day has evolved from symbolic observance to a meaningful reminder of our shared environmental responsibilities.
As former US President Barack Obama aptly put it, “We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.”
The theme for Earth Day 2025, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the collective ability of individuals, communities, and nations to drive sustainable change. The focus this year is on tripling renewable energy generation by 2030 and accelerating the shift to clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, tidal, and geothermal power.
While policy and government-led initiatives are essential, environmental responsibility cannot be outsourced entirely to institutions. The choices individuals make from consumption habits to daily practices also carry a significant impact. Sharing a message or posting a status may raise awareness, but meaningful action is required.
And it doesn’t stop at individuals. The brands we buy from and the companies we trust with our products and services also bear responsibility. Corporate sustainability is no longer just an optional CSR activity but an expectation that consumers are increasingly holding brands accountable for.
Below is the list of memorable campaigns by brands that stood out for their innovative approach to sustainability:
Britannia
In January 2025, Britannia rolled out an OOH (Out-of-Home) campaign titled ‘Nature Shapes Britannia’, featuring biodegradable billboards uniquely designed to wrap around trees, not cut them down.
The creative execution turns traditional advertising on its head, allowing nature to dictate the shape of the medium, rather than being shaped around it. Visually and metaphorically, the campaign underscores a powerful message: Britannia adapts to nature, not the other way around.
Each billboard also carries messaging that highlights the brand’s broader sustainability efforts, from plastic neutrality and waste management, to circular economy practices, water stewardship, and energy efficiency.
BCCI
In a move that blends cricket with climate action, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched the ‘Dot Ball Tree Plantation’ campaign during the 2023 IPL playoffs, pledging to plant 500 trees for every dot ball bowled. What began as a playoff-specific initiative has now been expanded from the 2024 season onwards, and the campaign runs across all IPL matches.
This is part of BCCI’s broader commitment to sustainable sports, anchored in its ongoing partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme, which began in 2018. Together, they’ve been working to promote ‘green cricket’ across India, with efforts focused on reducing the environmental footprint of the sport.
Key initiatives include phasing out single-use plastics at stadiums and encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic cups and bottles. Iconic venues such as M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai have been at the forefront of this transition.
Zomato
To mark World Environment Day 2024, food delivery platform Zomato unveiled a quirky and engaging ad film reaffirming its pledge to enable 100% electric vehicle (EV)-based deliveries by 2030.
The film takes a humorous route to spotlight the brand’s sustainability commitment, following a Zomato delivery partner as he experiments with a range of bizarre and unconventional transport methods, all in the name of timely deliveries. From exaggerated trials to playful mishaps, the ad cleverly underscores the transition to EVs as the practical and planet-friendly solution.
HUL
Hindustan Unilever released an ad film on water conservation as part of its CSR initiative, ‘Start A Little Good’. The film opens with a striking visual, an urban shower booth placed incongruously in the middle of a rural village.
Out of curiosity, a villager steps inside and turns on the shower. But instead of bathing, he begins to drink the water to quench his thirst. One by one, other villagers follow suit, lining up to drink from the shower. This powerful juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast in how water is perceived across different settings and serves as a poignant reminder of its value and the urgent need to conserve it.
Hyundai
In 2022, Hyundai Motor India launched the ‘Save Water Challenge’ on World Environment Day, encouraging its customers to make more sustainable choices for the future.
As part of the initiative, Hyundai invited car owners to opt for Dry Wash services when getting their vehicles serviced, which helps save approximately 120 litres of water per wash. The campaign kicked off with a 15-day ‘Save Water Challenge’, rewarding participants for their involvement through both online and offline activities, while promoting a collective effort toward water conservation in the automotive industry.
Tata Tea
On World Environment Day 2022, Tata Tea launched its iconic ‘Jaago Re’ campaign, focusing on climate change awareness. The campaign aims to illustrate the impact of climate change on individuals and highlight the urgent need for action to protect future generations.
The TVC features Pankaj Tripathi bringing attention to the pressing environmental concerns. The core message of the film is delivered through the eyes of a child, serving as a powerful reminder for parents to act now to safeguard the future, before it’s too late.
