Zero Plastic Waste Communities: A Movement Led by 70,000+ Eco Warriors from Jhunjhunu District in Rajasthan

The world is producing twice as much plastic waste as two decades ago. Only 9% of all plastic waste generated is recycled, according to a new report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD]. A major bulk of plastic waste gets dumped through landfills, incinerators, or leaks into the environment. India is one of the 12 nations accountable for 52% of the global mismanagement of plastic garbage. The survey, conducted in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Praxis Global Alliance, reveals that Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu collectively account for 38% of India's total plastic trash generation.

Inspired by India's "Swachh Bharat Abhiyan" and Global calls for Planetary Health, our "Eco Warriors” 1500+ government schools of Jhunjhunu embarked upon a "Zero Plastic Waste Communities" movement. This movement kick- started a remarkable journey towards designing sustainable, feasible, and collaborative solutions for environmental and systemic challenges. The campaign kick-started by Piramal Foundation’s “school-based innovations” team in 50 schools was embraced by both Jhunjhunu’s Education Department as well as Rural Development Department and systemically amplified to invite the participation of 70,000 + Eco-warriors that included children, youth, systemic officials, village sarpanch, community leaders, etc. At the outset, the campaign began as a series of “Zero Plastic Waste” actions curated for Grades 8-9 children using the project-based learning approach. These actions focused on:

• Unfolding how plastic finds its place in our shopping and other everyday actions;
• Designing micro-innovations to "reduce-reuse-recycle" plastic waste;
• Sensitizing communities on how overconsumption and irresponsible plastic waste management are impacting our planet's health.

These actions empowered children to become environmental change makers by actively tackling plastic-led pollution in their schools and communities. These focused actions became a platform for children to practice collaborative problem-solving and design innovation-feasible solutions. Maya, one of the young Eco Warriors, joined the "Zero Plastic Waste Campaign," right at its inception. Maya noticed a struggle close to home. Watching her farmer father grapple with inefficient watering methods, a seed of inspiration was sown. Maya knew plastic waste was the enemy, but could it also be the answer? Armed with nothing but a screwdriver and a pile of used bottles, Maya embarked on a mission. She meticulously transformed these plastic castaways into a network of drip irrigation systems. Each bottle cap, meticulously punctured, became a controlled water dispenser, delivering life-giving drops directly to thirsty crops. This simple yet ingenious solution, born from Maya's keen mind and resourceful spirit, became a sensation in her community.

News of Maya's "Plastic Bottle Irrigation" system spread like wildfire. Farmers, impressed by its effectiveness and eco-friendly approach, flocked to adopt this innovation. Maya, once a shy student, blossomed into a local hero. Her creation not only eased her father's workload but also became a symbol of sustainable farming. Plastic waste, once a burden, was transformed into a tool for a greener future.

Actions curated around the “Zero Plastic Waste” challenged our Eco- Warriors to devise creative approaches and sensitize the communities about plastic-led pollution and its impact on the planet and their own health. Children embraced this challenge and curated a massive awareness rally. This wasn't just any rally – it was a testament to collective action, uniting 529 schools and 300 villages under the leadership of their sarpanches (elected village heads). A wave of over 13,000 participants – students, teachers, doctors, public representatives, and enthusiastic youth – marched together to present a message: a resolute commitment to a plastic-free future. This wasn't a show of force; it was a springboard for action. Participants pledged to reduce plastic use in their daily lives, implement waste reduction measures in their communities, and advocate for responsible waste management policies. Beyond the rally, students took initiatives by writing letters to local leaders, elected representatives, and civic department heads; showcasing their commitment as determined Eco Warriors.

Eco Warriors paving the way for Jhunjhunu’s District-wide Movement
Inspired by the commitment and efforts of 100+ schools, Jhunjhunu’s departments of “Rural development” and “School education” joined hands to extend the “zero plastic waste communities” movement across the district. The Department of Rural Development engaged local sarpanches and community leaders as champions in combatting plastic-led pollution across all villages of Jhunjhunu. The Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jawahar Chaudhary took full ownership of this district-wide initiative by establishing a monitoring team and overseeing monthly progress reports presented by Piramal Foundation’s school- based innovations team.

Surendra Yadav's Transformative Journey: A Change Leader in the Making
Surendra Yadav, the sarpanch of Singhana Gram Panchayat in Rajasthan, emerged as a local champion in the Zero Plastic Waste Campaign. Spearheading a movement to address plastic-led pollution in his community, Yadav's commitment to improving the village's environmental footprint was evident in his active involvement and innovative strategies to reduce-reuse-recycle plastic waste.

Recognizing the threats plastics pose to our planet and human health, Yadav took decisive action by organizing awareness campaigns for the villagers. Yadav's initiative was championed by the local Gram Panchayat of Singhana. He secured funds to install solid and liquid waste dustbins throughout the village, enabling proper waste segregation and management. This initiative not only helped keep the village clean but also instilled a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

To further raise awareness, Yadav enlisted local artists to paint slogans on walls throughout the village, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic use. These visual reminders served as daily inspiration for residents to make conscious choices and minimize their plastic consumption.

On April 22, Earth Day is celebrated across the globe to demonstrate support for Environmental Protection. The 2024 Earth Day theme, Planet vs. Plastics, brings attention to the threat plastics pose to our planet and human health. On this day, our Eco Warriors are inviting your PLEDGE to join the movement and drive the ‘Zero Plastic Waste Communities” campaign in your schools and neighbourhoods.