Turning Trash Into Treasure, Revolutionizing Plastic Waste in India
👋Hello Readers,
Today’s edition combines warm tales, creative ideas and the rich culture of our people. There is a lot of goodness to focus on and happy endings in these great stories! 😊✨
Wherein, uplifting stories of people helping one another in crisis and cutting-edge breakthroughs that aid in improving living conditions in the society today, we seek out the optimism around us. Wondering where all the good news is about some persons doing great things or perhaps local legends and the works they are doing in the society? We have those and more! 🎉🙌
So, buckle up and start this.
💬 Navigating Perspectives
Plastic waste is one of India’s most pressing environmental challenges, with over 3.4 million tonnes generated annually. But where most see a problem, Yuvraj Singh Ahuja, architect-turned-entrepreneur and founder of Sereno, saw an opportunity to transform discarded plastic into beautiful, durable products.
A Designer’s Vision for Waste
Yuvraj’s journey began in his family’s plastic manufacturing business in Amritsar. Initially focused on traditional products, his designer’s eye soon led him to create stylish planters and outdoor furniture. But the real breakthrough came when Sereno shifted from using virgin plastic to re-purposing factory waste and, eventually, post-consumer plastic like milk packets and shampoo bottles.
Building a Circular Economy
By 2022, Sereno had developed a process to convert everyday plastic waste—collected by NGOs and zero-waste societies—into granules for manufacturing. In 2024 alone, Sereno prevented over 4.5 million milk packets (about 18 tonnes of plastic) from ending up in landfills. The company’s products are now 100% recyclable and designed to last more than 20 years, proving that sustainability and quality can go hand in hand.
Design, Durability, and Global Recognition
Sereno’s planters and furniture grace luxury hotels and homes worldwide, admired for their sleek design and resilience. Customers are often surprised to learn that these vibrant, sturdy products are made from recycled plastic. Sereno’s commitment to design excellence has earned it several prestigious awards, including the European Product Design Award.
Sustainability Beyond Materials
Sereno’s green ethos extends to its operations. The Amritsar factory runs primarily on solar power, uses bio-fuels instead of diesel, and adheres to ethical manufacturing standards. This holistic approach ensures that every step, from sourcing to production, aligns with their sustainability mission.
Inspiring Change, One Product at a Time
Yuvraj’s advice to aspiring change-makers is clear: understand sustainability in depth and prioritize transparency. Sereno’s journey proves that with innovation and integrity, waste can become a resource, not a burden. As India grapples with its plastic crisis, Sereno stands as a shining example of how creative thinking can turn trash into treasure—benefiting both people and the planet.
🗣️ Stories that Matter
Kerala’s KS Sheeja turned personal tragedy into triumph by embracing organic farming after her son’s accident. On her revived family farm, she now grows over 25 types of vegetables, exotic fruits, keeps bees, and raises poultry. Her sustainable methods and passion inspire her community, earning both loyal customers and personal fulfilment.
Meghalaya made bamboo roller coaster, built entirely by villagers using local materials and ingenuity. This eco-friendly, gravity-powered ride celebrates rural creativity, sustainable design, and the magic of childhood fun—reminding the world that the best adventures often come from simple, community-driven innovation.
At 68, Bengaluru’s Pushpa Prakash is redefining adventure. Inspired by her daughter, she began trekking at 65 and has since completed 49 treks—including Everest Base Camp—and taken on skydiving, bungee jumping, and more. Her disciplined, healthy lifestyle fuels her stamina, proving age is no barrier to bold new journeys.
Dr Sonali Dasgupta enjoys creating hands-on experiments for every other child like her who is fascinated by the mysteries of science. With a PhD in physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi and 12 years of brainstorming on photonics, Dr Sonali finds complex topics related to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in ways that children will find them easy to grasp with, through her initiative, ‘STEMonsters’.
💡Do you know what day it is!
National Creativity Day, encouraging everyone to unleash their imagination and create something new—whether through art, writing, music, or any form of expression.
🔖 Quote of the day
"Let today be the day you choose joy, chase curiosity, and believe that something wonderful is about to happen."
In the final words of Today’s India, we trust that you have been encouraged by the beautiful stories that have lifted the country up. Be it the startups or old practices to more sociable stories making sure that no one is left behind, there is always a sense of progress and oneness.
As we take these strides, let’s make sure we promote kindness, creativity, and teamwork. And till the next time; may you take pleasure in bringing happiness and inquisitiveness in your day to day activities!
Don’t Miss Out!!! See You Tomorrow!!! ⏰
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