Dnyanada Sagare
2 min read . Oct 30,2024
Our go-to morning weekend plan for the past five years has looked like this. Wake Up, Get Ready, Pick Up Plastic, Socialise, AND REPEAT! In merely five years, we have conducted over 500 plogging drives, collecting more than 10-15,000 tons of waste and empowering citizens to take charge of their environment. Driven by the core values of sustainability and community engagement, Pune Ploggers is much more than a cleanup initiative; it is a platform for positive social change.
“Environment is no one’s property to destroy; it is everyone’s responsibility to protect.”
“As a Community Manager of the Pune Ploggers community, I have developed a bond with nature and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. We educate our friends and relatives about the dangers we have created and work to create awareness. One of my personal commitments is to stop using sanitary napkins, which are made from non-biodegradable materials like plastic and glue. Menstrual cups are a plastic-free alternative that is more sustainable and comfortable. Being part of the Pune Ploggers community has brought tremendous change in my life, as it brings like-minded people together, gives me responsibility, and gives me a new identity. I am grateful for the support and opportunities provided by the Pune Ploggers and the Plogman.”
-Anuja
We bring together people from all walks of life—students, professionals, homemakers, and even young children. From planting trees, and collaborating with ample like-minded organisations to conducting Chalk of Shame drives, Pune Ploggers continue to find innovative ways to raise awareness and promote sustainable behaviour. Despite the rain, we continue to transform plastic waste into beautiful artefacts through our Creative Drives, even when we can’t physically pick up the waste. Playaking – a way to clean up water bodies while kayaking, another initiative launched by us is something that will make your travel more rewarding!
“I see addressing environmental issues as a key responsibility. Every weekend, we collect plastic waste for recycling, a habit we’ve adopted. It’s encouraging to see young people from colleges and corporations joining us in this mission, and many organisations are now collaborating with us. I urge everyone to join us in raising awareness about global warming and plastic pollution, emphasising the importance of recycling and upcycling as essential practices, all while celebrating five years of this wonderful initiative.”
-Abhishek Kushare
We all had to stay indoors and take care of ourselves after the first few days of our foundation when COVID-19 struck. We used this time to prepare and brainstorm, and we came back stronger. Once a group fueled by a few individuals is today a global community of over 1,50,000 dedicated ploggers. We feel proud to have inspired a global community-led plogging movement with chapters now operating in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Nagpur, Kolkata, Nashik, Sambhajinagar, and Kanpur in India as well as London, Bristol, and Birmingham in the UK. The group has been recognized by top-notch media houses and news organisations, with over 100 articles featured in the past five years.
The most hearty achievement knocked on our doors when our founder Vivek Gurav, shined globally. He was awarded the ‘Points of Light’ award by the former UK Prime Minister for our work with Pune Ploggers in India and the UK. He was also invited to discuss the campaign at 10 Downing Street and named one of the 75 Young Indian Achievers on India’s 75th Independence Day.
Want to create an impact and be a part of our kinda weekend plan? Join us today!
