“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Robert Swan

According to the United Nations, approximately 250 babies are born every minute, which makes it a little more than 130 million a year. In contrast to this, a million plastic bottles are bought around the world every minute, which eventually accounts for the 0.3 billion plastic waste every year. On average, plastic constitutes 90% of the trash floating on the surface of the ocean. Without a doubt, these figures and stats are hazardous to every living thing on our planet!

From whales, sharks, and seahorses to microscopic organisms like zooplankton, plastic has impacted the marine life on shore, as well as offshore. According to the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, plastic waste kills 100,000 marine mammals as well as millions of birds annually. When it comes to humans, scientists at Ghent University in Belgium recently discovered that most seafood lovers ingest up to 11,000 tiny pieces of plastic every year.

Plastic pollution has taken a toll on our lives, and it’s high time we take charge! Here are some of the suggested ways by National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), which can help contribute to the cause:

1. Wean yourself off disposable plastics and replace them with reusable versions.
2. Stop buying water and start carrying a reusable bottle.
3. Boycott microbeads and start using product with exfoliants, like oatmeal or salt.
4. Purchase used items to stop creating more waste.
5. Stop using plastic bags and start using bags made up of paper or fabric.
6. Use eco-friendly products that can be degraded easily as compared to other waste.

We, at The Ponty Chadha Foundation are doing our best at curtailing the use of plastic. The Mata Bhagwanti Chadha Niketan – a school run by PCF, encourages and enables its specially-abled students to make eco-friendly products through the initiative, Swayam. From bags to boxes, one can find all sorts of household items made up of recyclable material. Not only does this help in reducing pollution caused by plastic, the sheltered workshop also enriches the lives of these children with special needs and helps them become financially independent and environmentally responsible.