Overview of this campaign

The "Choose to Refuse" campaign was born out of a dire necessity to address the escalating plastic pollution crisis in Kanpur, a city emblematic of the larger environmental issues plaguing the Ganges River. The Ganges, revered as the goddess Ganga in Hinduism, is not only a vital water source for millions but also a cultural and spiritual lifeline for India. Despite its sanctity, the Ganges has been subjected to severe pollution, particularly from single-use plastics. With approximately 1.15 billion pounds of plastic waste flowing into the river annually, the situation in Kanpur, the most populous city in Uttar Pradesh, has reached alarming proportions.

The impetus behind the "Choose to Refuse" campaign was to combat this pressing environmental issue by targeting the root cause: the rampant use and improper disposal of single-use plastics. Kanpur, with its significant industrial activities and dense population, contributes heavily to this pollution. Mountains of discarded plastic bags and single-use items were wreaking havoc on the environment, endangering wildlife, and impacting the overall well-being of the city's residents.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, Dainik Jagran- inext initiated the "Choose to Refuse" campaign with the goal of banning single-use plastics in Kanpur and revitalizing the Ganges. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices through a multifaceted approach that included education, community engagement, and policy enforcement.

The campaign also sought to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and community responsibility, encouraging individuals, educational institutions, NGOs, and government offices to participate in clean-up drives and pledge to reduce plastic usage. By leveraging the power of print and social media, Dainik Jagran- inext aimed to create a widespread movement that would not only address the immediate pollution crisis but also ensure long-term sustainability and preservation of the Ganges River for future generations.

Results for this campaign

• Significant Reduction in Plastic Waste: The campaign successfully mobilized over 1,000 volunteers for extensive clean-up drives along the Ganges River banks in Kanpur, resulting in the removal of 70 tonnes of garbage. This collective effort not only cleaned the riverbanks but also raised awareness about the severity of plastic pollution and the need for sustainable waste management practices.
• Widespread Community Engagement and Pledges: More than 3,000 schools and 600 degree colleges in Kanpur pledged to ban single-use plastics, demonstrating a strong commitment from the educational sector towards environmental sustainability. Additionally, several government offices issued notices to ban the use of single-use plastics, further reinforcing the campaign's impact on policy and community behavior.
• Enhanced Public Awareness and Action: The "Choose to Refuse" campaign's multifaceted approach, including sting operations to expose illegal plastic sales and extensive media coverage, significantly heightened public awareness about plastic pollution. The campaign fostered a culture of environmental responsibility, leading to a broader recognition of the importance of reducing plastic usage and promoting eco-friendly alternatives across the city.

• The "Choose to Refuse" campaign by Dainik Jagran- inext has made a significant difference in addressing the plastic pollution crisis in Kanpur and preserving the sanctity of the Ganges River. Through its multifaceted approach, the campaign effectively raised awareness, engaged the community, and implemented sustainable practices to reduce plastic waste. The collaboration with NGOs, educational institutions, government offices, and the community at large was instrumental in the campaign’s success.

  By addressing the root causes of plastic pollution and promoting environmental stewardship, the "Choose to Refuse" campaign has set a new standard for community service and environmental sustainability. It proved that with collective effort and dedication, even the vast challenges facing the mighty Ganga can be overcome, preserving its sanctity for generations to come. The campaign's success serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other cities and regions to undertake similar initiatives and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

 

Contact

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