In continuation of its responsibility of being an eco-friendly city, NMMC's Solid Waste Management Department, under Swachh Survekshan and through the directive of NMMC Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde, aims to ensure that children attending NMMC-run schools will limit or eliminate the use of single-use plastic.

While speaking to Newsband, a senior official from the Solid Waste Management Department said, “As part of our initiatives, we are aiming to achieve plastic-free schools, wherein children will be encouraged to use stainless steel bottles instead of plastic.”

Students attending NMMC-run schools will also be encouraged to carry cloth bags to get their tiffin boxes in instead of plastic bags.

Overall, the official said that they want the school students to avoid using single-use plastic products. They will also educate children on the benefits of being eco-friendly and the benefits it has for the environment. This will be implemented on a regular basis from today towards the upcoming months of Swachh Survekshan and as a part of the ongoing Swachh Bharat Mission.

As children help to spread this message among their family and friends, thereby creating a chain where everyone is educated about the pressing need for environmental conservation. Through this not only is plastic waste reduced, but it also prevents soil pollution, as plastic does not easily break down, but adds to the carbon footprint.