Why CSIR is asking employees across India to avoid ironed clothes on Mondays

Ironing each set of clothes amounts to emission of 200 g of carbon dioxide, CSIR said. (Representational)

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has initiated the 'Wrinkles Achche Hai' campaign, urging its network of labs and personnel across India to embrace unironed attire every Monday until May 15. This unorthodox step comes amidst a wider effort to raise awareness about energy conservation and environmental sustainability within the scientific community and is aimed at tackling carbon emissions linked to daily routines.

The campaign, which translates to 'Wrinkles Are Good,' highlights the substantial carbon footprint associated with conventional ironing practices. According to CSIR's circular issued on May 3, ironing clothes can emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

Dr. N Kalaiselvi, the secretary of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and CSIR's first woman director general, talked about the motivation behind the initiative, stating, "Ironing each set of clothes amounts to emission of 200 g of carbon dioxide. So, by wearing non-ironed clothes, one can prevent emission of carbon dioxide to the tune of 200 g."

The circular, issued by CSIR and Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, stated, “The challenge requires to refrain from wearing ironed clothes at least one day in a week, which means, actually not ironing clothes as also to embrace wrinkles to reduce energy consumption and show collective commitment to environment sustainability.”

The campaign, which aligns with the ongoing 'Swachhata Pakhwada' (Cleanliness Fortnight) from May 1-15, underscores CSIR's commitment to adopting sustainable practices beyond symbolic gestures.

As part of broader energy-saving measures, CSIR is set to implement operational protocols aimed at reducing electricity consumption across its laboratories, with an initial target of a 10% reduction in electricity charges during the pilot phase from June to August 2024.

The campaign follows the installation of the country's largest climate clock at CSIR's headquarters in Delhi.

CSIR, established in 1942 by scientist Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar, has a storied history of scientific innovation. Its labs, some as old as independent India itself, have contributed significantly to national development, with notable achievements such as the creation of indelible ink used in India's electoral process.