Youngster on a mission to save the oceans from plastics

Last year, on World Oceans Day, Nidhi Sajit Menon, launched an initiative called ‘For Earth’s Sake’ in her school urging students and teachers to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics. A few months later, she took it outside the campus and started distributing cloth and paper bags to some shops in and around Besant Nagar. Now, the 17-year-old girl is urging people around the world to join the cause and sign a pledge to do their part.

“Even before launching the campaign, I’ve been carrying cloth bags and cutleries wherever I go and requested people to use cloth bags. In order to spread the message to a bigger group, I launched the campaign ‘For Earth’s Sake’, and urged my schoolmates to reduce, reuse and recycle plastics wherever possible,” she says.

An aspiring marine biologist, Nidhi’s focus now is to reduce plastic pollution in oceans. “Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to marine life and it’s high time we addressed the issue. Even after knowing the after-effects, people dump plastic and other waste materials in lakes, rivers and oceans. What they are not realising is marine life plays a crucial part in our ecosystem,” Nidhi tells DT Next.

So, in what ways one could reduce ocean plastic pollution? “The first important step is to reduce the use of single-use plastics like water bottles, plastic bags, straws, cups, take-out containers, etc. If you put some effort, you can easily replace these with eco-friendly alternatives. Recycling is another way to reduce plastic pollution. Another crucial step is to spread the word — you should be informed about the hazards of plastic pollution in oceans and create awareness among others.

“Recently, I read that people know more about the moon than our oceans. Isn’t it strange? I wanted people to join my campaign and understand the importance of protecting oceans and marine life,” Nidhi points out.

The field of Marine Biology is up and coming and she hopes that marine enthusiasts also come forward to support her cause. To celebrate the World Oceans Month (June), Nidhi will be giving a presentation on the effects of plastic pollution on marine life at Backyard, on June 15, from 2 pm to 4 pm. “Through the talk, I am attempting to communicate my knowledge of what’s happening to our oceans to the public. Maybe, what I am doing is just a drop in the ocean. But I am sure a little goes a long way,” believes the youngster.