Riyaz-ul is a bright 10 year old boy from Vijay Nagar, Ghaziabad. A student of No Child in Trash Programme of Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, he attended the workshop on reducing single use plastic and was motivated enough to get rid of plastic, but was unhappy to see the ‘chalta hai’ attitude of adults around him. Lack of steel ka dabba at home, forced him to use plastic to carry food, but he refused and used his hands to carry food stuff. He would roll ‘paratha and achaar’ and eat food on the go, as he pledged not to use plastic products anymore. Seeing his dedication, his mother finally bought a steel tiffin for him.
There are many like Riyaz-ul, who on their own will, are resisting use of plastics products as part of campaign initiated by Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group over the years.
Initiatives such as use of old clothes to cover water filters, which work as a safety net to keep flies at bay and also keep the utensils clean are encouraged. Waste materials are used to make decorative items for class decoration and gifts for volunteers and donors.
Reduce and Re-use concepts are also implemented in classroom with initiative like, broken shoe rack is up-cycled to keep books and files. It helps to keep the classroom organized and spacious. Old calendars are used as tool for teaching-aid, to teach children sight words etc., so as to reduce consumption of chart papers.
The next level of change started with celebration of events and functions with ZERO plastic waste. Plastic cutlery is forbidden and children happily bring steel glasses and plates from home and relish on piping hot ‘biryanis’ and burgers.
Small changes in daily life can help us to reduce the waste which we are generating as a result of mindless consumerism. Children like Riyaz-ul are making inspired and environment friendly choices for a greener planet. Is it too difficult for the adults to adopt such healthy practices? Isn’t it time to learn from children like Riyaz-ul, instead of trying to force them to mindlessly ape our ways? The time for action is NOW.
About the author
Anindita Chakraborty an educationist for past 15 years, she has been engaged with both formal and non-formal education system. She is an expert in designing, monitoring community based education projects along with conceptualizing and delivering training courses for capacity building of diverse stakeholders. Currently heading No Child in Trash Programme in capacity of Manager at Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group, a Delhi based Non-Profit Organization working for waste pickers.