Raju's Personal Story

Our educational community events build on the encounters between the local population and our local teams, through which we are entrusted with many personal stories. Many of you are acting on the impact that the social environmental project of Buy Food with Plastic has on people's lives. These personal stories are particularly close to our hearts. They prove that development cooperation is successful for the common good and the environment. Our entire team draws inspiration from these stories, which is why today we can share Raju Kumar's personal story with you.  

Raju grows up in the Chamunda Nagar slum in Mumbai, where plastic waste is ubiquitous.

But it was only through an awareness workshop by Buy Food with Plastic, in which knowledge about the problems with plastic is imparted, that he understands why plastic poses such a big problem for people and nature – especially during the monsoon season. Because the water cannot drain properly when plastic litters the streets.

“I never understood why the floods during the monsoon get worse every year.»

Since then, he has been diligently collecting plastic bottles. At the regular educational community events by Buy Food with Plastic, he receives a warm meal for 20 bottles.

But Raju brings far more than just 20 bottles – once he even collected almost 800 plastic bottles, even though he does not receive any additional meals for extra bottles. Because he is driven by the desire to do something for his community. He has realized that the plastic he collects makes a difference not only for him, but for the entire neighborhood. With every additional bottle he brings, Raju actively helps to reduce flooding and protect the environment.

Thus, he represents an inspiration to give your best, because everyone can make a contribution, even a very young person. Raju is therefore also like the hummingbird from our favorite fable. Currently, he can only go to school and collect plastic bottles in his free time, but every plastic bottle that does not end up in nature is already a change.

The picture of Raju was taken by our local photographer Abhijeet Salve at a community event in Chamunda Nagar.