Eco-drive: Exchange plastic waste and get saplings in Mumbai

In the wake of Maharashtra’s state-wide ban on a variety of plastics, a group of volunteers have been encouraging citizens to exchange their plastic waste for plant saplings.

The volunteer organisation Angolichi Goli along with two other groups Vasundhara Green Club and Nirbhaya Group have facilitated the planting of 242 saplings across Dadar, Goregaon and Matunga. “In exchange for five plastic bags, we give them one sapling. It is their responsibility to look after the plant and help it grow,” said Tushar Warang, volunteer, Angolichi Goli.

As of now, the group has collected 1,544 plastic bags through three collection drives which took place across three colleges in the city – Ramnarain Ruia College, DG Ruparel College and Patkar-Varde College.

They intend to conduct similar drives at housing colonies, where they will distribute both, indoor and outdoor plant saplings.

“I gave 33 bags to the group today because I wanted to add to the collection of around 25 floral plants that I have in my balcony,” said Ameya Deorukhaar, a student of DG Ruparel.

Asmita Gokhale, founder, Nirbhaya Group said that it was necessary to get rid of plastic completely rather than recycling it, pointing out that because plastic was being dumped into the sea and other water bodies, it is ending up as thrash on the beaches.

Her organisation is currently facilitating the transfer of the plastic bags to GD Environment Pvt Ltd, Pirangaut, where it will be converted into fuel oil.