Ten-year-old Licypriya Kangujam from Manipur is making waves as a climate activist. She has opened a unique shop in Delhi where people can trade single-use plastics for useful items like rice, school supplies, or saplings. This “plastic money shop” turns waste into valuable resources, encouraging people to rethink how they handle plastic.
Licypriya’s journey began in 2020 when she envisioned this project. With help from her mother, she turned a second-hand cart into a solar-powered vehicle. Her dream was to combat the issues caused by single-use plastics, a goal supported by the Delhi Environment Ministry through their ‘Paryavaran Mitra’ initiative. Plans are also in place for the Rotary Club to expand this idea into other cities.
The shop accepts various types of single-use plastics, such as water bottles and polythene bags. In return, patrons receive essential items for free, making sustainable choices easier and more rewarding.
The collected plastic waste doesn’t just stop at the shop; it will also be transformed into useful products like school benches, roofs, and bricks. This innovative approach highlights not just recycling, but also resourcefulness and community engagement.
Licypriya gained recognition for her activism when she recently led a cleanup effort near the Taj Mahal in Agra. Since she began her campaign for climate action in 2018, Licypriya has become one of the youngest voices in the global fight against climate change.
Her story resonates widely, especially among younger generations who are increasingly concerned about the planet. According to a recent survey by Pew Research Center, 70% of young people view climate change as a personal threat. Licypriya stands as a beacon of hope, showing how even small actions can spark big changes.
For more about her journey and other impactful initiatives, you can check her profile on Wikipedia.
