Over the course of 3 weekends, I participated in 3 clean-up drives held at different locations across Surat. Due to the apathetic response to plastic pollution from people that aren’t aware about the environmental consequences, I found that all the locations we conducted clean-ups in were heavily littered, even affecting the nearby waterbodies. Even though the problem felt too big to solve at once, I realized that every small effort adds up. By helping clean these spaces, I felt proud to contribute to making my city a little healthier and cleaner.

LO4 – Show perseverance and commitment in CAS experience

I stayed commited to this cause throughout the whole journey, which is evident by my willingness to sacrifice early Sunday mornings to helping make my city a cleaner space. Although the process felt a little tedious at times, seeing the outcomes in the form of cleanliness in the previously plastic-riddled areas kept me motivated.

LO5 – Demonstrate skills and benefits of working collaboratively

Working with my peers made the task both more efficient and more enjoyable. We divided areas, helped each other when the work became difficult, and encouraged one another to keep going. The teamwork showed me how much more can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.

LO6 – Engagement with issues of global significance

These clean-up drives connect to global issues like water pollution and sustainability, which are also part of the UN’s SDGs. By tackling waste locally, we were also contributing to protecting ecosystems and improving public health. It made me realize how local actions can create ripples in solving worldwide problems.

LO7 – Recognise and consider the ethics of choices and actions

This activity reminded me that keeping rivers and beaches clean is not just a responsibility of the government, but of all citizens. Littering harms shared spaces and ecosystems that future generations also depend on. Taking part in the drives made me feel I was fulfilling my role in protecting nature.