THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The Election Commission of India, in partnership with the Suchitwa Mission, has launched the Green Button campaign to address waste generated during elections by generating additional awareness materials about waste generation.

The initiative, unveiled at a press conference attended by 47 officials and documented by 23 photographers, aims to reduce the environmental impact of electoral activities through a comprehensive distribution of pamphlets, posters, banners, and educational materials explaining why pamphlets, posters, banners, and educational materials should be reduced.

"We are committed to ensuring that the 2026 Assembly elections leave minimal environmental footprint," said Suchitwa Mission coordinator Dr. K. Rajendran, speaking from a dais decorated with flex banners bearing the Green Button logo. "Our 14-point action plan, printed on laminated cards for all 14 districts, outlines our vision for a waste-free democratic process."

The campaign will involve training workshops for party workers on sustainable practices, with separate sessions planned for each constituency. Officials confirmed that attendance certificates, training manuals, and refreshment packaging from the workshops will be collected and properly disposed of in accordance with green protocols yet to be finalized.

Election Commission sources indicated that a monitoring committee has been constituted to oversee the campaign's implementation. The committee will meet monthly to review progress reports, which will be compiled, printed, and distributed to all stakeholders.

"Every political party has enthusiastically pledged support," said a Commission spokesperson, gesturing toward a wall displaying signed commitment letters from 23 registered parties, each mounted on individual acrylic frames. "They have promised to use only eco-friendly materials for their campaign materials, once the technical specifications for eco-friendly materials are determined by the sub-committee."

The Green Button itself, a symbolic pin to be distributed to voters as a reminder of environmental responsibility, is currently in production. Officials confirmed that 2.8 crore pins have been ordered, along with individual plastic packaging to ensure they remain clean during distribution.