I am the founder of ActNow, where we make plastic blankets from waste plastic and blankets. First, we collect these waste resources from different houses in our locality, then use parchment paper and a sewing machine to bring the whole idea together. Currently, we have made 10-15 blankets and are aiming for more in the future. Apart from me, various people are working towards the same goal in the organization. These blankets are then given to poor people.

LO 3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience.

Act Now started with a simple idea—turning plastic waste into blankets to help those in need. Seeing the problem of plastic pollution and homelessness, I knew I had to act. I began with research, learning how to repurpose plastic safely. Then, I set goals, built a team, and figured out how to collect and process materials. Challenges like sourcing plastic and refining the method tested my problem-solving skills, but persistence paid off. By spreading awareness and involving others, Act Now grew from an idea into a movement, proving that small actions can create real change.

LO 6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance.
The global issues addressed here are poverty and plastic pollution. We collected plastic that would have otherwise gone to waste and used it to make blankets. This plastic, instead of ending up in a landfill, served a new purpose—acting as insulation against the cold for poor people in winter. Those living on the streets do not have enough money to buy blankets, so we wanted to create something sustainable and environmentally friendly for them. Through this, we are tackling two issues simultaneously, contributing to a more sustainable city and community.

LO 7 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively.
As ActNow is an organization with several dedicated volunteers, it was very important for me to work with them sincerely. Collaboration played a major role in ensuring that all the necessary work was completed on time. Collaboration is key to success, and I learned that while making blankets with other like-minded people. The benefits of working collaboratively included learning from others, understanding the importance of teamwork, and ensuring that my contributions aligned with those of the rest of the team.

LO 5 – Recognizing and Considering the Ethics of Choices and Actions

Through ActNow, I have become more aware of the ethical implications of my choices and actions. The project is built on the idea of sustainability and social responsibility—helping those in need while reducing plastic waste. However, ethical considerations were crucial at every step. Ensuring that the plastic used was safe, distributing blankets responsibly, and maintaining transparency in our work were all important decisions.