Young Eco-Warriors Suhani Ravi Tewari Kaur and Sifti Kaur Lead the Fight against Plastic Waste

Plastic pollution is a global menace that threatens our environment and ecosystems. While governments, corporations, and organizations are making strides to combat this issue, some of the most inspiring efforts are driven by young individuals who understand the urgency of the problem. Among these eco-warriors are two remarkable Class 6 students from Gurugram’s Heritage Experiential Learning School (HXLS) – Suhani Ravi Tewari Kaur and Sifti Kaur – who are on a mission to rescue plastic wrappers from landfills.

Taking on Non-Recyclable Multi-Layered Packaging:

The specific type of plastic waste that Suhani and Sifti are targeting is known as Multi-Layered Packaging (MLP). Often used in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, MLP is notorious for being non-recyclable, non-biodegradable, and non-reusable. This leads to MLP waste frequently ending up in landfills or littering our streets and public spaces.

In response to this environmental challenge, the two young activists initiated a drive to collect MLP wrappers. In just four months, they managed to gather an astonishing 14,000 plastic wrappers. This endeavour was part of a project related to the subject “Geography that shapes us” at their school.

Learning by Doing: An Experiential Approach

Heritage Experiential Learning School (HXLS) is renowned for its experiential learning curriculum. The school believes in imparting knowledge and skills through real-life experiences. This approach begins by presenting students with a real-world problem that requires their attention and innovation.

For Suhani, Sifti, and their classmates, the challenge was clear – addressing the MLP waste problem. Under the guidance of their teachers, the students embarked on a journey of exploration and solution-finding. They conducted primary and secondary research, interacted with experts, and engaged in brainstorming sessions to develop viable solutions, all while adhering to the “learning by doing” framework.

A Collaborative Effort with Real Impact:

Collecting MLP waste was no small feat. The students collaborated with Safai Bank, an organization that plays a vital role in waste management. Safai Bank collects the plastic waste, including MLP, and incinerates it in a cement factory furnace, minimizing its environmental impact.

Awareness campaigns were an integral part of the students’ efforts. They utilized posters, classroom presentations, and placed cardboard collection boxes for MLP waste across schools in the city and their housing society. The young eco-warriors’ dedication and commitment inspired others to join their cause.

Suhani’s Expedition to Meghalaya:

Suhani Ravi Tewari Kaur‘s passion for environmental conservation extended beyond her school project. She took her initiative to her neighbourhood, where her family and neighbours rallied behind her in collecting MLP waste. Her remarkable efforts even caught the attention of Meghalaya.

Suhani was invited to participate in “Operation Cleanup,” an initiative by Shillong Times, demonstrating that youth-led environmental actions can inspire change at a national level.

Sifti’s Sustainable Community Engagement:

Sifti Kaur’s commitment to the cause went beyond her school gates. She introduced the initiative in her housing society, promoting the responsible disposal of MLP waste. Cardboard collection boxes were strategically placed in each tower of the housing society, encouraging residents to deposit their MLP waste.

Sifti’s dedication to building a sustainable community showcases the transformative power of youth-led environmental action.

Young Leaders in the Fight against Plastic Pollution:

Suhani Ravi Tewari Kaur and Sifti Kaur exemplify the spirit of young environmental leaders determined to combat plastic pollution. Their commitment to collecting MLP waste and raising awareness not only benefits their immediate communities but also serves as an inspiration for others to take action.

These young eco-warriors prove that age is no barrier when it comes to protecting our planet. Their dedication and passion remind us that, with collective effort and determination, we can tackle the plastic menace that threatens our world.