Nature Nexus Haridwar: Paving the Path to a Zero Plastic Future

The Nature Nexus Haridwar Chapter is an innovative eco-social campaign initiated by AspKom Eixil Consulting Private Limited (AECPL), in collaboration with Eco-One – House of Compostable Products, and Maurya Hotels, Haridwar. Under the flagship of the AspKom Eixil Foundation (NGO), this initiative aims to transform Haridwar into a Zero Plastic, 100% Compostable Zone in Uttarakhand. With a commitment to sustainable living, we invite local NGOs, ecopreneurs, and eco-influencers to join us in this vital mission.

Clear & Green Haridwar Initiative

The Alarming Impact of Microplastic and Single-Use Plastic Pollution in Haridwar

Haridwar, a city of immense spiritual significance and natural beauty, faces a growing threat from microplastics and single-use plastic pollution. The effects of this pollution are far-reaching, affecting not just the environment but also the health and livelihood of its residents. Here are some key examples of how this pollution can impact Haridwar:

1. Environmental Degradation

• River Contamination: The Ganges, a sacred river, is a primary water source for the city. Plastic waste often finds its way into the river, leading to contamination of water bodies. Microplastics can accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, threatening local biodiversity and disrupting the natural balance.
• Soil Pollution: When single-use plastics degrade, they leach harmful chemicals into the soil, affecting agricultural productivity. This contamination can impact local farmers and their crops, leading to reduced yields and food quality.

2. Health Risks

• Water Quality: Microplastics in water can enter the human food chain through drinking water and aquatic life consumed by locals. This poses serious health risks, including hormonal disruptions and potential carcinogenic effects.
• Air Pollution: The burning of plastic waste releases toxic fumes, contributing to air pollution. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems among residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.

3. Impact on Tourism and Economy

• Loss of Tourists: Haridwar attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually. Visible pollution, especially in the Ganges, can deter visitors, leading to economic losses for local businesses, hotels, and tourism operators.
• Decline in Fisheries: Microplastics can harm fish populations, leading to a decline in local fisheries. This not only affects the food supply but also threatens the livelihoods of fishermen and their families.

4. Wildlife Threats

• Harm to Aquatic Life: Microplastics pose a significant threat to fish and other aquatic species, which can ingest these particles. This can lead to injury, disease, or death, disrupting the aquatic food web.
• Impact on Biodiversity: The accumulation of plastic waste in natural habitats can lead to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, further straining the ecosystem.

Why Action is Urgent

The pollution crisis in Haridwar demands immediate attention for several reasons:

• Rapid Growth of Plastic Use: With increasing urbanization and tourism, the use of plastics is likely to rise unless action is taken.
• Long-Term Consequences: The effects of microplastics can linger for generations, impacting not just the current population but also future ones.
• Cultural and Spiritual Significance: As a sacred city, the pollution of the Ganges and surrounding areas undermines the spiritual and cultural values cherished by residents and visitors alike.

Campaign Objectives

1. Implement Waste Management Practices: Establish effective waste segregation systems for both dry and wet waste.
2. Promote Compostable Products: Replace single-use plastics with compostable alternatives.
3. Raise Awareness: Educate the community on the importance of waste management and sustainability.

Campaign Strategy

• Social Media Campaign Creatives: Develop engaging visuals and content that highlight the campaign’s goals, mentor stories, and community participation. Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to reach a wider audience.
• Engagement Metrics: Track the impact of social media efforts by monitoring engagement rates, shares, and community feedback.

Roadmap for the Campaign

Stage 1: Awareness and Engagement (Months 1-3)

• Zone Coverage: Focus on high-traffic areas such as markets, tourist spots, and educational institutions.
• Activities:
  • Conduct workshops and seminars on waste segregation and management.
  • Distribute informational pamphlets and compostable product samples.
  • Collaborate with local influencers to amplify the message on social media.

Stage 2: Implementation of Waste Management Systems (Months 4-6)

• Zone Coverage: Expand to residential areas and local businesses.
• Activities:
  • Set up waste segregation bins in strategic locations.
  • Partner with local waste management companies to ensure proper disposal of waste.
  • Launch a community challenge to encourage residents to adopt compostable products.

Stage 3: Monitoring and Expansion (Months 7-12)

• Zone Coverage: Assess impact and expand to neighboring towns within Uttarakhand.
• Activities:
  • Monitor waste management practices and gather data on the reduction of single-use plastics.
  • Host community events to celebrate milestones and share success stories.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of expanding the campaign to other regions based on the results.

Join us in our mission to make Haridwar a model for sustainable living! We invite NGOs, ecopreneurs, and eco-influencers based in or operating within Haridwar to collaborate with us. Together, we can make a significant impact on our environment and community.

For more information or to get involved, contact:

• Susheel Kumar Maurya: WhatsApp
• Ashu Gaur: WhatsApp
• Shikha Mathur: WhatsApp

Let’s work together to create
a Greener, Cleaner Haridwar!

The Impact of Microplastics: Research Insights

1. Effects on Human Health

• Endocrine Disruption: A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that microplastics can leach harmful chemicals, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), into the human body. These substances have been linked to endocrine disruption, potentially leading to reproductive issues and hormonal imbalances (Source: “Plastic Pollution and Human Health: A Review of the Current Knowledge” – Environmental Health Perspectives).
• Respiratory Issues: Research in the journal Nature highlighted that inhaling microplastic fibers from the air can cause respiratory problems. Microplastics can enter the lungs and contribute to inflammation, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory diseases (Source: “Microplastic Pollution in the Air” – Nature).

2. Impact on River Ecosystems

• Aquatic Life: A study published in Marine Pollution Bulletin reported that microplastics can be ingested by fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to reduced growth rates, reproductive issues, and even death. The study emphasizes the bioaccumulation of toxins in the food chain, which can ultimately affect human consumers (Source: “Microplastics in Marine Environments: Impacts on Aquatic Organisms” – Marine Pollution Bulletin).
• Ecosystem Disruption: Research in Environmental Science & Technology indicates that microplastics can disrupt aquatic ecosystems by altering nutrient cycles and degrading water quality. This can lead to shifts in species composition, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem stability (Source: “Microplastics Alter Community Structure of Marine Bacteria” – Environmental Science & Technology).

3. Effects on Flora and Fauna

• Plant Growth: A study published in Science of The Total Environment found that microplastics can negatively affect plant growth and health. When microplastics are present in soil, they can alter nutrient availability and affect root development, ultimately reducing crop yields (Source: “Impact of Microplastics on Soil Ecosystem Services” – Science of The Total Environment).
• Wildlife Threats: Research in Nature Communications highlighted that ingestion of microplastics by animals can lead to malnutrition, as these particles can fill their stomachs without providing any nutritional value. This has severe implications for wildlife health and population stability (Source: “Plastic Ingestion by Marine Species” – Nature Communications).

4. Overall Health of People

• Toxic Exposure: A review in Frontiers in Environmental Science emphasized that microplastics could lead to long-term health effects due to the accumulation of toxic additives. Chronic exposure may contribute to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular diseases and cancers (Source: “Human Health Implications of Microplastics” – Frontiers in Environmental Science).
• Mental Health: Research published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests a correlation between environmental pollution, including plastic pollution, and mental health issues. Communities affected by visible pollution may experience increased stress and anxiety (Source: “Environmental Pollution and Mental Health” – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health).

AECPL Nature Nexus Core Team, Mentors, Chief Coordinators

• Mr. Ashu Gaur (Founder and Director, AspKom Eixil Consulting Private Limited)
• Mr. Vinit Bhatwadekar (Founder and Director, Eco-One)
• Mr. Ashish Raghav (Eco-Influencer, Core Strategist for Nature Nexus – Haridwar)
• Ms. Komal Chauhan (Founder and President, AspKom Eixil Foundation)
• Mr. Krishna Hegde (Politician, Ecopreneur, Spokesperson – Shiv Sena Mumbai)
• Mr. Susheel Kumar Maurya (Founder, Maurya Hotels)
• Mr. Brij Khandelwal (Journalist, Environmental Activist, Social Worker)
• Dr. Arvind Bhushan Pandey (IPS, Retd. DIG, Uttar Pradesh Police)

Chief Campaign Coordinators:

• Mr. Nimesh Patel (Chief Coordinator, Alliance), Call/Whatsapp +91-9892730183
• Ms. Shikha Mathur (Chief Coordinator, Operations), Call/Whatsapp, +91-9821181341, +91-7451802275