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-By Sumanta Kar

Every year, World Environment Day reminds us of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet. This year's theme, 'Our Land, Our Future', resonates deeply with the need of the hour to nurture every child in a loving, safe, and sustainable environment. But how can we speak of a safe environment when plastic waste silently infiltrates the daily lives of India's most vulnerable children?

India generates over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, a staggering amount that continues to choke ecosystems, contaminate water sources, and create toxic living conditions. While the environmental damage is widely discussed, what remains less visible is the disproportionate impact this crisis has on children growing up in vulnerable conditions.

In urban slums and marginalised rural communities, where waste disposal is unregulated or even absent, plastic waste often becomes part of the landscape. Open burning of plastic emits toxins, contributing to respiratory issues and long-term health complications in not just children. Polluted water sources clogged with plastic lead to diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, and even death. Children playing around waste dumps are exposed not only to hazardous materials but also to a mindset that normalises living amid garbage.

To combat these challenges, innovation like eco-bricks can be a simple yet powerful way to repurpose plastic waste and involve communities in environmental action. Eco-bricks are made by tightly stuffing clean, dry plastic waste into used plastic bottles, creating durable building blocks. These are then used to construct low-cost seating areas, boundary walls, and even furniture. In many communities, eco-brick benches have become a symbol of transformation where once there was waste, now there is utility and dignity.

Moreover, regular awareness sessions and clean-up drives can equip children with the knowledge and skills to become champions of change. Promoting waste segregation and recycling and running youth-led eco-campaigns can inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility among the next generation.

But institutional efforts alone are not enough. Each of us has a role to play. As individuals, we can start by reducing our use of single-use plastics, say no to plastic bottles, straws, and bags. We can reuse containers, support local vendors, and choose products with minimal or eco-friendly packaging.

Addressing the hidden cost of plastic waste on children requires systemic solutions, accessible recycling infrastructure, and most importantly, inclusive education that empowers every child to live in a clean and safe environment.

Imagine a child who walks to school without stepping over mounds of garbage. Imagine a child who grows up breathing clean air and playing in green spaces. That is the future we must build together. Because protecting the environment is not just about saving the planet. It is about saving childhood.

The author is the CEO of SOS Children's Villages, India.