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In India, people throw away over 3.5 million tons of waste every year. This plastic is mostly single-use, like plastic bags, straws, and bottles. That means it’s used once and then thrown away, but it doesn’t disappear. Instead, it ends up in landfills or even in rivers and oceans, causing pollution and harming animals.

But it's not just plastic. Many pieces of furniture and clothes that we no longer need are also thrown away. These items often end up in huge piles in landfills, taking up space and releasing harmful chemicals into the air and soil. Some clothes are made of synthetic materials, which take a very long time to break down, meaning they stay in the environment for many years.

This is a big problem because all this waste can harm nature, pollute our water, and affect our health.

In Rajasthan, people have found a smart way to reuse old tires. Instead of throwing them away, they clean them up and use them to make outdoor seats. They stack the tires or lay them on their sides, and sometimes paint them in bright colors to make them look nice. Some people even add cushions on top to make the seats more comfortable.

These tire seats are great because tires are strong and can last a long time. Using them helps keep the village clean and reduces waste. It’s a fun and creative way to turn something old into something useful.

• What do you usually do with plastic items like bottles, straws, or plastic bags after you use them? How could you reuse or recycle them instead of throwing them away?
• Do you ever donate or repurpose old clothes that you don’t need anymore? What’s the most creative way you’ve reused something you were about to throw out?
• What’s one thing in your house that you could reuse or recycle to help reduce waste? Could you turn it into something useful or fun?
• If you had to choose between buying a new plastic toy or reusing an old one, what would you choose? Why?
• Have you ever made something cool or useful from old materials, like turning an old jar into a decoration or plant pot? What did you create, and how did it make you feel to reuse things?
• If you could teach others one way to reduce waste, what would it be? Why do you think it’s important to avoid throwing things away?
• How do you feel about seeing trash in public places like parks or beaches? What can you do to help keep your surroundings clean and reduce pollution?