Schools ban plastics, urge students to adopt eco-friendly alternatives

Ranchi: Various schools across the city have strictly enforced no-plastic rules within their campuses to ensure environmental sustainability. From classrooms to canteens, plastic is now off-limits, and students are being actively encouraged to adopt eco-friendly alternatives as part of a broader mission to reduce plastic waste and instil environmentally conscious behaviour from an early age.Educational institutions are now viewing environmental education as a way towards sustainable development. Schools have not only banned plastic water bottles, pencil boxes, and carry bags, but some have gone a step further by disallowing chocolates on campus, as they often come wrapped in plastic packaging.At many schools, canteens have adopted sustainable serving practices where food is now served in paper containers or steel plates, eliminating single-use plastics altogether. Disposable plastic spoons, straws, and containers have been replaced with biodegradable or reusable alternatives. Academic coordinator at Oxford Public School, Ravi Shekhar, said, "Children are the best agents of change. When they stop bringing plastic bottles or snacks wrapped in plastic, it influences parents as well. This habit, once developed in school, will shape their outlook towards sustainability for life."In addition to bans, schools organise awareness campaigns, debates, poster-making competitions, and cleanliness drives through the eco club. These programmes aim to engage students and educate them about the dangers of plastic pollution, microplastics, and the importance of the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Principal of Kairali School, Rajesh Pillai, said, "This is not a temporary campaign. Through the eco club, various activities are being organised from time to time. By banning plastic and encouraging alternatives, we are preparing our students not just for exams, but for a future where sustainability will be a key survival skill."