Experience 8- Collecting and recycling used milk bags

For this CAS experience, I covered LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5, LO6, LO7

For this CAS experience, a few of us collaborated to reduce the presents of single-use plastic. We spread awareness about the dreadful consequences of throwing empty milk bags with normal household trash. We made posters and shared messages in our social media groups through which we tried to convince people to contribute to this experience. People who showed their interest in contributing to this project were guided as to how they could help us make this place a better living environment. Videos and posters were made with guiding steps that could help the audience be a part of this project. Before taking it to a vast scale we tried this at a personal scale. Once we were convinced of its probability of success we enlightened people we know. In a week or two we were able to collect thousands of milk bags and looking at the success rate introduced this to a larger audience in different corners of the city.

LO1-Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth-

Based on my previous CAS experiences I was well versed with the techniques that would help us capture the audience at a larger scale. Using multimedia platforms like Instagram, youtube, WhatsApp groups helped us capture attention easily. While working on this project I realized that I wasn’t a great mediator/communicator at the beginning of the project. In the beginning, when random people approached me for their willingness to contribute to this project and raised a few concerns I wasn’t sure how to guide them convincingly.

LO2-Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process

When we tested the practicality of this test I realized that even after rinsing the bags with water there was some of the other milk odor left in that attracts insects. After this problem was identified we tried to clean the bags 2-3 times and hung them on the kitchen walls instead of laying them on the balconies. The drying processes extended then the earlier one but the problem of incest interference was resolved.

Another struggle we were facing was the collection of milk bags from people. In the beginning, we expected people to leave the bags at our location, and someone from the eco vision used to collect them all at once, but later people stopped volunteering due to the delivery reason. We confirmed with the manager of eco vision and shared the contact details with the individual who was willing to continue the project. After that, the bags were collected from their houses and this got more people to contribute to this project.

LO3-Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience

The basic plan was bought by one of the team members but later we divided the roles according to their strengths and weaknesses. Working with our strengths made the task easier for us to manage and complete. 

L4-Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences

I showed commitment to this project as I dedicated a lot of time and hard work for 3-4 months. I created posters and wrote messages to raise awareness about our project and collected milk bags at my place as well. I made sure that I provided at least 400-500 bags from my place every month. In total, we were able to collect thousands of bags that are currently being recycled. 

L5-Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively

Collaborative working helps in developing skills such as time management, efficient work, etc. working as a team allowed us to divide roles which made our tasks easier. Updating each other with the growth status of work helped me stay committed to this project as well. Doubts and queries were easier to solve while discussing than working individually.

Living in different corners of the city allowed us to capture audiences from different areas much more easily and helped us manage the collection well at the beginning. 

L6-Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance

The reason to start this project was to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bags present in the environment which would contribute to sustainability issues such as Good Health and Well-being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action, Life Below Water, Life on Land

L7-Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions

According to me, knowing the problem and not taking action for the same even if you can is unethical. I wasn’t aware of the drastic impact of disposing of milk bags with normal waste until I searched about and I was pretty sure that most of us might not be aware of the same. Through this project, I was able to make a small contribution to the waste that isn’t decomposable. Recycling trash helps in clearing the environment and turning the surroundings into a more livable place.

Learner profiles- 

Communicator- I used my communication skills while collaborating with my team members, with external people who contributed to this project, and the manager of eco vision.

Researcher- I used my research skills while understanding the impact of single-use plastic and while finding the recycling unit.

Thinker- I used my creative thinking skills while making the poster as appealing as possible by using words and phrases that could convince the audience.

Management- I used my time management skills while compiling the bags and coordinating with different people for the same. Making a schedule and giving reminders help me sort everything out while preparing for my midterms

Evidence:

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