“Say No to Plastic” – WASTE MANAGEMENT AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

DATE OF THE EVENT- 29 April 2025

MODE OF THE EVENT- OFFLINE

VENUE-E-Block, 2nd Floor, Stepper’s Hall, BBDITM

TIME OF THE EVENT-10 AM – 1 PM

EVENT AGENDA-

• To raise awareness among students about the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.
• To educate participants on proper waste segregation and eco-friendly practices.
• To involve students in creative and engaging activities like poster making, model making, creative writing, and group discussions focused on plastic waste management.
• To encourage the use of sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.
• To promote individual responsibility in reducing plastic waste in daily life.
• To cultivate a mindset of environmental stewardship among students.

EVENT SUMMARY-

The event began with an engaging and impactful presentation titled “Say No To Plastic”, delivered by the members of the Social Club, BBDITM, whose motto is “A Step Towards Change.” This awareness session served as the foundation of the campaign and was carefully crafted to help participants understand the magnitude of plastic pollution and their role in addressing it.

The presentation opened by acknowledging the dual nature of plastic — its convenience and durability on one side, and its catastrophic environmental impact on the other. Students learned how plastic, while widely used, does not decompose easily and continues to accumulate in ecosystems, harming both nature and life forms.

• Key Focus Areas:

The session was structured around three major areas where plastic poses the greatest threat:

• Environmental Pollution – Plastic remains in the environment for centuries, polluting land, rivers, and oceans.
• Harm to Wildlife – Animals often ingest plastic or get entangled in it, leading to severe injuries or death.
• Human Health Risks – Microplastics and toxic chemicals enter the food chain, leading to dangerous long-term health consequences.

To reinforce the urgency of the problem, powerful statistics were shared:

• Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced globally every year.
• Only 9% of plastic waste is ever recycled.
• 8 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year.
• Microplastics have been found in human bloodstreams, lungs, and even placentas.
• Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems:

Participants were shown visuals and examples of how plastic pollution is silently destroying marine ecosystems. From whales and seabirds choking on plastic to coral reefs suffering due to microplastic deposits, the impact was clearly illustrated.

• Sustainable Solutions:

Importantly, the presentation didn’t just focus on the problems—it also offered hope and direction. Students were introduced to:

• Biodegradable plastics made from cornstarch and seaweed
• Reusable alternatives like cloth bags and steel bottles
• Plant-based and edible packaging
• Real-life examples of waste-to-resource innovation
• Success Stories That Inspire:
• The Ocean Clean-Up Project, which aims to remove 90% of ocean plastic by 2040.
• Plastic bans in several Indian states, reducing visible waste in cities.
• Sweden’s recycling success, where nearly 99% of waste is reused or converted into energy.
• Barefoot College’s rural sustainability efforts, empowering communities with alternatives.

Post-Presentation Engagement

Following the awareness session, the event transitioned into a series of hands-on activities that provided participants with the opportunity to creatively apply their learning. These activities were centred around the reuse of waste materials, encouraging students to see value in discarded items and to promote sustainability through action.

From crafting posters and collages using waste to building innovative models and expressing thoughts through writing, every activity emphasized the responsible use of resources and the potential of recycled materials. These tasks not only reinforced the core messages of the presentation but also showcased the creative and solution-driven mindset of the participants.

ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED

Following the presentation, students participated in five themed activities designed to foster creativity, environmental awareness, and critical thinking. Each activity was aligned with the campaign’s objective and scheduled within specific time slots to ensure effective participation and smooth coordination.

Presentation: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM

The day began with a powerful awareness session titled “Say No To Plastic”, laying the foundation for all upcoming activities. (See the “Presentation & Awareness Session” section above for details.)

1. Group Discussion: [10:30 AM – 11:30 AM]

Participants were divided into small groups and engaged in thoughtful discussions on topics such as “The Future Without Plastic,” “Ban vs. Awareness,” and “Is Recycling the Real Solution?”
This activity promoted logical reasoning, teamwork, and awareness-building through open dialogue and real-life perspectives.

2. Poster Making: [10:30 AM – 12:00 PM]

In this visual storytelling activity, participants designed posters highlighting the dangers of plastic pollution and advocating eco-friendly solutions.
The goal was to spread powerful environmental messages through creativity and impactful design using waste-based or recycled materials.

3. Collage Making: [11:00 AM – 1:00 PM]

Participants crafted thematic collages using only waste materials such as newspapers, old wrappers, and discarded packaging.
This hands-on activity emphasized resourcefulness and demonstrated how waste could be repurposed to create powerful environmental art.

4. Model Making: [10:30 AM – 1:00 PM]

Participants either worked solo or in teams to build models using plastic waste and recyclable materials. These models showcased innovative ideas for reuse, plastic reduction, and sustainability, bringing theory into practice through tangible prototypes.

5. Creative Writing: [12:00 PM – 1:00 PM]

This literary activity allowed students to express their thoughts and environmental values through essays, poems, and short stories.
Judged on originality, clarity, and message strength, the writing pieces served as a reflective space for participants to explore their voice in the movement against plastic.