Exploring India's Green Elections: A Step Towards Sustainability

Green Elections: India’s Move Toward Eco-Friendly Democracy

Introduction

India’s concept of Green Elections integrates sustainability into the electoral process, minimizing environmental harm through eco-friendly practices. It represents a transformative approach, aligning democratic participation with ecological responsibility and encouraging citizens and political parties to adopt environmentally conscious behaviors during elections.

1. What are Green Elections?

Green Elections refer to eco-conscious electoral practices aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of elections. Measures include using biodegradable materials, avoiding plastics, promoting digital campaigning, and encouraging voters to participate in conservation activities such as tree planting.

2. Why were Green Elections introduced?

The initiative arose from concerns over the environmental impact of traditional election campaigns, particularly plastic waste. A 2019 study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) estimated that Indian elections generate nearly 6,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste from campaign materials alone.

3. What are the main objectives of Green Elections?

• Minimise Waste: Reduce plastic banners, flags, and hoardings.
• Promote Digital Campaigns: Encourage online outreach over printed materials.
• Use Biodegradable Alternatives: Replace plastics with paper, cloth, or natural fibre materials.
• Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implement energy-efficient measures in polling operations.
• Public Awareness: Encourage voters to adopt sustainable practices, including tree plantation.

4. How does digital campaigning help?

Digital platforms enable parties to reach voters without paper-based promotions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint from printing and transportation, thereby contributing to greener elections.

5. What is the role of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)?

EVMs greatly reduce the use of paper during polling. The Election Commission estimates that EVMs saved over 11,500 tonnes of paper during the 2024 elections—equivalent to approximately two lakh trees.

6. How does the Green Election model promote citizen participation?

Voters are encouraged to plant one sapling for every vote cast, linking civic duty with environmental responsibility. This symbolic action makes democracy participatory in both political and ecological terms.

7. What impact does green theming of polling booths have?

Eco-themed polling booths with green decor and environmental symbolism foster positivity and awareness, helping citizens associate voting with sustainability and creating a culture of eco-democratic responsibility.

8. What are the long-term benefits of Green Elections?

• Reduction in plastic and paper waste.
• Greater public participation in environmental causes.
• Institutionalization of sustainable governance practices.
• Providing a model for other democracies to integrate ecology with democracy.