IKEA has launched a collection of homewares made from leftover rice straw in India that would otherwise have been burnt, creating major smog issues in cities. With air pollution concerns rising among city dwellers, people are embracing brands who are actively seeking solutions.

The Hindu festival of Diwali has previously seen legions of firecrackers set off in celebration across India. But after New Delhi was left with a toxic smog in 2016, the Supreme Court banned their sale during the festival. Many Indians, who are increasingly concerned about pollution, support to move.

Clean air is becoming scarcer as cities densify; over 80% of urbanites are exposed to air quality levels in excess of WHO limits. With city-dwellers worldwide seeking protection from particulates, face masks have become a common sight – and Airinum is adding a touch of style to this accessory.

Commute times across Indian cities are on the rise as an increasing number of cars clog up the roads, worsening urban air quality in the process. Ride-sharing platform Routematic aims to address these issues by working with companies to provide end-to-end transport for their employees.