Biker Sets Off on 10,000 Kilometers Journey to Raise Awareness for Plastic Pollution

Environmentally conscious media professional Abhimanyu Chakrovorthy has set off on a 10,000 km motorcycle expedition through India and five other Southeast Asian countries to spread awareness on the pernicious effects of plastic pollution.

Speaking to Indian Link, the 31-year-old man explained: “I have always been conscious about issues such as climate change and wildlife, and I used to practise the concept of outdoor ethics called ‘Leave No Trace’ in the Himalayas where you pick up your own waste and dispose of it properly.”

Photo Credits: Indian Link

“I am also a motorcycle enthusiast. So, this presented a unique opportunity to merge my two passions. So, I’m travelling New Delhi to Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Nepal, covering more than 10,000 km, to raise awareness about plastic pollution.”

Photo Credits: Resource Magazine

Chakrovorthy will be working with NGOs and schools in the five schools to educate people about the harmful consequences of plastic pollution. He has already planned beach and city clean-up initiatives and will also conduct short sessions on the global scenario in plastic pollution and India’s methods to counter the problem.

“I’ll share knowledge about India’s waste management system, and also learn from them their solutions to the plastic pollution problem. Some of these countries have taken affirmative action on plastic and I want to understand more of what and how they’re doing it. The focus of my work will be on reducing, reusing and recycling waste as much as possible. Through this trip, I plan to document plastic consumption in these countries and their waste management process,” Chakrovorthy said.

As the cost for his journey would amount to a rather high amount, Chakrovorthy also decided to seek for funds.

“At this stage, a friend told me about (crowdsourcing platform) Milaap. This presented some hope because I couldn’t bear the cost on my own. My target is Rs 3 lakh and till now I have reached just Rs 40,000 but I am hopeful my story will resonate with people and some funding comes through Milaap.”

To conclude, Chakrovorthy said: “I will be organising a few more clean-ups in association with embassies and institutions such as Delhi Civil Defence and Delhi Police focusing on communities and societies by asking them to moderate their consumption so that less waste ends up in our ever-increasing landfills.”