Reducing Plastic Waste and Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems

Reducing Plastic Waste and Protecting Aquatic Ecosystems

On February 20, 2023, Centurion University’s School of Fisheries hosted a program focused on the threats to aquatic life, emphasizing the importance of environmental stewardship and the reduction of plastic waste on campus. Led by Assistant Professors, and supported by 45 students, this initiative aimed to raise awareness about the significant challenges posed by pollution, including plastic waste, overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change and invasive species.

First-year students participated in the event, displaying banners and engaging the community to foster a collective responsibility for protecting our aquatic ecosystems and the diverse species that inhabit them. Through education and community engagement, the program seeks to implement an actionable plan to reduce plastic waste, promoting sustainable practices that safeguard vital resources for both the planet and our communities. By collaborating in these efforts, we can make a meaningful impact on preserving our environment for future generations.

Pavement Blocks Manufacturing Process: 

Making of high-strength Paver blocks from different plastic wastes. Plastic waste is produced inside the campus from various sources. Our objective is to utilize these super-strength materials and explore their strength to make new materials. The paver blocks are made from waste plastics by our research centre.

Policy on Sustainability, Objective 6:

Plastic waste reduction:

1. To abide by the Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules of India for efficient management of plastic waste.
2. Prohibition of single-use plastic inside the campus for eco-friendly campus.
3. Encourage the use of paper bags and cloth bags.
4. Set specific objectives and targets in relation to minimizing plastic waste, improving plastic recycling rates and reducing disposal to landfill.
5. The awareness and practice of plastic waste management should be integrated in higher education through research, practice and skill training.

Implementation

• It is ensured that all commercial entities inside the campus strictly abide by the rule of ban on use of single-use plastics.
• Installing necessary alternative facilities like water units to avoid the use of plastic water bottles and encouraging the use of alternative solutions like cloth bags, paper bags, etc, instead of plastic bottles, bags, cover, and other goods in University campus.
• Encouraging students to sensitize their respective households about the harmful effects of plastics and make their households ‘plastic-free’ .
• The institute uses wood and metal furniture and avoids plastic furniture like chair tables etc.
• Training is provided to the staff for the operation and maintenance of plastic waste management systems and rules.
• The waste management programs are integrated in higher education curriculum with relevant training to create awareness of a sustainable environment.
• Student projects and start-ups using waste plastics are implemented with awareness to 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) rules for plastic.

Management:

1. Mechanisms are designed for monitoring of plastic waste management systems and rules.
2. Student and faculty-led management and research projects are actively encouraged.
3. Student-led awareness activities with the local community are encouraged and supported.
4. The actions through the environment audit are reviewed and updated every year.

Link: https://cutm.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Sustainability-Policy-3.pdf