In Peshawar, a city with nearly two million people, dealing with a growing population brings a big issue: lots of solid waste, especially plastic. A recent study by the Water and Sanitation Services showed just how much plastic waste the city faces. According to the study, people in the city throw away a whopping 330 tons of plastic every day.
The study also found that wealthier neighborhoods contribute more to the plastic waste problem, with 17% of their waste being plastic, compared to 14% in lower-income areas.
Plastic waste is a big concern because it takes a long time to break down. To get rid of it, the city often resorts to burning the plastic, which creates another problem – air pollution.
In the midst of all this, one person in the city is finding a unique way to tackle the growing piles of plastic waste.
Nadia Qureshi, a resident of Peshawar, has taken on a project to turn the plastic waste the city gets every day into something positive. She uses plastic bottles, boxes, and even spoons to create art pieces, which she then sells online.
The items she makes, like baskets and boxes, are not just for one-time use. They can be given as gifts or displayed around the house. Since they’re made from plastic that doesn’t easily wear down with weather or time, they last longer.
Through her art, Nadia is making a positive impact on the community. Such efforts can play a significant role in reducing plastic pollution while encouraging everyone to be more environmentally responsible.