Plastic waste to wealth

Introduction: There is always a relation between society, environment, science,

and technology. Technology is changing rapidly. Most people are using modern
technology to do various activities. Life has become more convenient and
enjoyable. The development of technology has made it possible for us to lead more
comfortable lives, but it also brings destructive changes for the environment.
Especially, the ‘pollution’ has created a major trouble at the present time. There are
a total of 102 Indian cities that breach air pollution standards – as per reports.
Assam’s five cities also included among the highly polluted 102 Indian cities.

Especially, the plastic pollution has been going high gradually in India.

According to a report, more or less 2.99 lakh plastic wastage has been generated by
citizen in the state and while almost 37,000 kg plastic wastage have been generated
by Guwahati itself. Out of the total plastic waste, 60% is recyclable and 40% is
non-recyclable.

But, with the help of technology, we can transform the wastages into assets. The
plastic wastages can be a path of self-employment. In addition to this, it also helps
keeping the environment eco-friendly.

There are many youth entrepreneurs in the state, who have been trying to utilize
the plastic wastage since long.

Akshar School: The Akshar School in Guwahati has the kind of fee structure
where children deposit at least 10 to 20 plastic items per week, with a pledge to not
burn plastic. They recycle the plastic and further use it to make eco-friendly bricks
to use in new constructions in the school.

Zerund brick: A nascent and low cost bricks innovated by Assam Engineering

Institute’s students. The brick is made of cement, fly ash, organic chemicals and
waste plastic. 

Crude oil: A young boy from Jagiroad has been trying to produce Crude oil from
plastic wastages. This endeavor will also help make an eco-friendly environment
as well as generate employment.
E-waste: Electronic waste (e-waste) typically includes discarded computer
monitors, motherboards, mobile phones and chargers, compact discs, headphones,
television sets, air conditioners and refrigerators. About 95 per cent of India’s e-
waste is recycled in the informal sector and in a crude manner.

Meanwhile, there is a different campaign has been initiated in the community,

where as the substitute of plastic, people have been producing different kinds
substance to get rid of it. Many products like Arecanut leaf plate, bowl, glass etc.
have been successfully produced under the aegis of youth entrepreneurs. It’s a
good symptom for our society and these methods are bringing a new revolution to
village economy.

Adding together, there are huge numbers of micro industries have been formed in
the state, which are producing bamboo bottle, bags etc. It extends financial
assistance to those families who earlier fought with poverty.

Significance of the study: The state government has committed to make a

‘Pollution-Free Assam’. Catching up with the trend of using recyclable wastes
along with bitumen or as popularly known asphalt to construct roads, Assam PWD
department had completed a pilot project to metal a stretch of 100 metres using the
same on the Kahilipara-Dakhingaon Road. The Government is trying to bring the
new trend, but somehow government should go broadly and make awareness on it.

Importance of media: As already Assam’s five cities included among the highly
polluted 102 Indian cities; the Government, organizations, individuals have already
started mission to make people aware regarding the raising issue. Media seem to be
an interesting approach towards such direction. The great potential of the media in
regards to the provision of information, the construction of knowledge and the
cultivation of skills and attitudes, has been proved scientifically over the
years.

Aims and Objective: The primary objective of the study is to promote the Plastic
waste management in the state, by which we can create an environment where
people can directly involve themselves for making an Eco-friendly environment as
well as a sound economy. Along with, how could we manage to bring different
kinds of product as substitute of plastic materials! This will also be considered in a
part of the study.
Methodology: This dissertation contributes new and unique evidence to the
debates surrounding plastic waste management options and their effects on the
environment.

1) Field study: Primary Data will be collected through interviews, site seeing
etc.
2) Research: The secondary will be collected from books, research papers,
concerned government authorities, NGOs, Experts/ Environment scientist
etc.

The proposed timeline is three months from the starting of the project. First one
month for the field study and data collection. The Second month is for research
analysis and the third month for preparation of the project. The project report
will be submitted in the form of hard copy and soft copies including
photographs.