Plastic Free July is a global movement to raise awareness about plastic pollution and urge people to take action against it. We bring to you a series of real-life changes that are taking place at the grassroots.
He loved his job as a cook for a family in a posh locality in Dehradun. It was well-paying and he likes to cook, too. But Subhash had to quit because his little children (two daughters of four and two years old) felt constrained and one of them suddenly fell ill. He had to take a break from work to focus on his family, and by then the job was gone.
For the past four months, Subhash has been working with SDC Foundation and helps collecting plastic from plastic banks all over Dehradun and transports it to the Plastic Waste Storage and Segregation Centre. When he can, he pitches in with the segregation process as well.
“I love this work even more!” says the 25-year-old, enthusiastically. He loves the fact he gets to move around town and meet people. “It feels nice to work outside and not just in a kitchen. What I like best, however, is that I am helping in the fight against plastic pollution,” he says, adding how he has learned new facts about the ills of plastic and how it pollutes our soil and water, and harms human and animals.
“My village in Chakrata tehsil was so clean, but plastic has reached there as well. Whenever I go back to visit my home there, I’m surely going to talk to them about the dangers of plastic and plastic pollution,” says Subhash. There is no stigma against throwing plastic here and there, and even burning it there, he shares. “
At present he lives in the staff quarters of a house with his wife and children. His wife works in the landlord’s home and also takes care of the two babies. “One person’s salary isn’t enough in today’s world. With everything so expensive, both husband and wife need to work,” he says.
Settling into the new job, Subhash takes quiet pride in what he is doing –contributing to the good fight against plastic pollution. He is also excited about what each day will bring and how much plastic collection will happen. “No work is big or small, more respectable or less petty. Work is work,” Subhash says, when asked about the nature of his work,” adding that it is definitely hard work, “But mazaa aa raha hai,” he says, signing off.
So what are you doing to make the world a better place and, in the process, add joy to your life?
