‘Students vs. Plastics’: Teaching Students How to Say No to Plastics

Washington D.C. (February 16, 2024)-  Earth Day Network India partnered with Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation to create the Student vs. Plastics toolkit: a comprehensive guide for educational institutions to teach their students how to actively say no to plastics. 

Released January 31 by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, one of the largest of its kind in the world, the Student vs. Plastics toolkit equips learners with the resources to eliminate the need for single-use plastics. It does this by showing them how they can adopt biodegradable alternatives and repurpose their plastic waste. 

“This toolkit supports the Earth Day 2024 theme Planet vs. Plastics, urging action against the harmful impacts of plastic on health and the environment. It aims to reduce plastic waste and promote biodegradable alternatives,” said Karuna Singh, EARTHDAY.ORG’s Regional Director of Asia. “We extend our gratitude to our partner organizations for their collaborative efforts, pooling our energies towards shared goals for the betterment of all.”

“Our organization and Earth Day Network India have worked side by side with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to help reduce plastic pollution in India’s capital city,” said Dr. Ruby Makhija, founder of Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation. “We are confident that the Corporation’s support will lead to a groundbreaking anti-plastic program that can be widely replicated by other municipal entities as well.”

“The Municipal Corporation is dedicated to reducing the use of single-use plastic,” said Ms. Vandana Rao, IAS, Member Secretary of the City Level Task Force for Plastic Waste Management at the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. “This initiative holds the potential to ignite a widespread movement against single-use plastic, as thousands of educational institutions are set to utilize the toolbox.”

Since the release of the Students vs. Plastics toolkit (less than one month ago), more than 2,500 educational institutions in India have registered. This is proof when we come together with purpose and determination, meaningful change is possible. 

To view the Students vs. Plastics toolkit: English |Hindi

About the Municipal Corporation of Delhi:

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi is among the largest municipal bodies in the world. It provides civic services to nearly 20 million citizens in the capital city of Delhi. Among its many noteworthy initiatives are its campaigns against plastic. Noteworthy initiatives include campaigns like ‘100 Days to Beat Plastic’ and ‘Vikalp,’ which reduces single-use plastic by providing cloth bags in grocery markets. This all-inclusive strategy increases the availability of reusable alternatives across various marketplaces and enables broad participation in the campaign. 

About Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation:

Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation is committed to nurturing responsibility and ownership for the betterment of society and the environment, the organization strives to foster collaboration, urging individuals to contribute their skills and resources while exploring alternatives to single-use plastics (SUP) and promoting sustainable practices. Learn more at whywastewednesdays.com 

About Earth Day Network India: 

EARTHDAY.ORG is a global leader in diversifying, educating, and activating the environmental movement, boasting over 150,000 partners in nearly 192 countries. Earth Day Network India, a registered trust inspired by EARTHDAY.ORG, extends programs to diverse demographics, reaching from grassroots to policymakers across 192 countries, including India. The outreach expands to encompass all of South and Southeast Asia. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG

For Media Inquiries:

Rumit Walia, Manager, Youth Affairs, Earth Day Network:  [email protected]

Ruby Makhija, Founder, Why Waste Wednesdays Foundation:  [email protected]