“Keep India Beautiful,” in association with the ESIC Regional Office (New Delhi), celebrated Gandhi Jayanti 2018 with a special emphasis on plastic recycling and reducing plastic pollution. Around 200 kilograms of plastic trash were collected and handed over to the recycling agency GreenEcoCare, which will convert it back into raw materials for creating new products.

Community participation was the theme of this drive against plastic waste. More than 150 volunteers marched carrying biodegradable garbage bags and gloves, picking up plastic litter from the back side of Rajendra Bhawan, Rajendra Place. It was heartening to see many shopkeepers and people working in adjoining offices joining our drive and picking up plastic trash from the surroundings.

The objective of this drive was to raise awareness about conserving energy and natural resources, reducing plastic pollution and greenhouse gases, and not overburdening landfills, as it takes hundreds of years for plastic to decompose in landfills.

We also installed four dustbins for collecting dry and wet trash in the surroundings, which a recycling agency will collect and recycle on a regular basis. A team of theatre artists from Parikalpna performed an engaging street play on the evils of plastic waste during the event.

This was a free event aimed at spreading awareness about the dangers of plastic trash. Hydration and snacks were provided to participants after the event.