Collaborate to
Conserve
Our initiative is aimed at conserving the aspects of our environment through collaboration.
Starting with our flagship, "Plastic Warriors"!
550+ kgs of Plastic
Collected, recycled, repurposed.
630+ Trees
Planted across the initiatives of the medicinal garden and the sustainability drive(Going Green).
1,150,000 + INR
Received in fundings and sponsorships across projects, from 14 different organisations.
1000+ Engaged
150+ registered volunteers and 1000+ one-time volunteers and supporters.
580+ Aided
Provided aid and support to underprivileged students across 4 leper colonies.
4.5 kms of Road
Restored in a rural village (Angrewadi) and near an old-age home with plastic recycled tar. .
2200+ Impacted
The lives of 2200+ locals from the 4 km road redevelopment, and 100+ locals from the 0.5 km road redevelopment
were impacted.
15+ Acknowledged
Recognized by over 15 national, state, and local newspapers and media agencies, such as Hindustan Times, Times of India, Pune Times Mirror, Indian Express, Lokmat, Pudhari, Sakal, Kesari,
Maharashtra Times, Loksatta
235+ Screened
Collaborated with 2 Medical Organizations for providing medical services to school support staff : 235+ screened, 162+ general health screening, 72+ basic life support training and 73+ dental check-ups.
Recognized by
Meet the Founder: Ronith Lahoti
Birth of an Idea
Hi, I'm Ronith, the creator and founder of Plastic Warriors. My love for our planet began at the tender age of 5, but as I grew, so did my concern. Witnessing the intensifying climate change and ecosystems nearing collapse, I knew I couldn't just stand by. That's when I took a stand - and Plastic Warriors was born. An Initiative in Collaboration with the Keshav Sita Memorial Foundation Trust
It went on to become an initiative under a larger platform, which I’ve named ‘Collaborate to Conserve’. Through this platform, I’ve rallied together several like-minded enthusiasts, and our collective efforts are focused on driving holistic social change.
Know me better at www.ronithlahoti.com
I have been recognized as an "Ashoka Young Changemaker" representing India, for my passionate and committed work on "Collaborate to Conserve". Ashoka identifies and supports the world's leading social entrepreneurs, learns from the patterns in their innovations, and mobilizes a global community that embraces these new frameworks to build an "everyone a changemaker world." I was selected from a panel of over 1800 applicants (<1% acceptance).
We’re on a mission
Single-use plastics pose a dire threat to both humanity and our precious planet. A staggering 400 million tons of plastic waste generated worldwide find their final resting place in landfills, unchecked and unregulated.
At Plastic Warriors, we've set forth a comprehensive mission to turn the tide and aid in the healing of our Earth by waging the anti-plastic battle on three critical fronts:
01
Reducing plastic consumption.
02
Increasing plastic recycling.
03
Improving the way plastic is managed in first our city, Pune, and eventually the country, India.
Our initiatives go beyond immediate action; they align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Our Medicinal Garden is more than greenery; it's a stride towards SDG 3, championing natural health solutions and underscoring biodiversity's importance in healthcare.
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
By cutting plastic use and boosting recycling, we contribute towards SDG 12's vision for sustainable consumption and production.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Our tree planting mission supports SDG 15, fostering sustainable forests, fighting desertification, reversing land degradation, and preserving biodiversity.
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Our collaborative approach with volunteers and partners echoes the spirit of SDG 17, focusing on global partnerships for sustainable development.
OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS and SPONSORS
Sadhu Vaswani Mission-Promotes universal love and spiritual growth by serving the environment and diverse societal needs irrespective of religion or background
Actively promotes waste segregation and regularly collects plastic from 12,000 households and businesses in Pune
Credit : Keshav Sita Memorial
Foundation Trust
The Oxford Group's CSR initiatives strive to enhance life and livelihoods, fostering a more inclusive and resilient India through impactful community projects
Fosters a global learning environment, nurturing over 1100 students from 30+ countries, with a focus on leadership and entrepreneurial skills
Has transformed 4 million sq.ft. of Pune's landscape through 45 slum rehabilitation and infrastructure redevelopment projects
Revolutionizing plastic recycling, Rudra processes 17 MT monthly, converting each ton into 600-650 liters of PolyFuel
A construction company building unique lifestyle spaces and communities for over 20 years, with a focus on quality, innovation and customer satisfaction.
A reputed construction conglomerate with a strong foundation in Pune, with projects totaling more than 6.5 million square feet.
A group of leading co-educational schools in India, nurturing students to be future global citizens rooted in Indian values.
The leading authorized auto dealership in Pune, specializing in the category for over 50 years.
One of Pune’s leading jewellery brands with over 12 stores across Pune, celebrating over 140 years of providing authentic and elegant jewellery.
A renowned Jewellery store established in 2004 in Pune with a wide range of fine Italian and diamond jewellery and loose diamonds
K6 Fitness Studio in Kalyani Nagar, Pune, introduces a groundbreaking approach to fitness with trampoline workouts, boxing, body sculpting, and EMS sessions.
Established in 1993, Nareetaa Boutique is one of Pune's top boutique, that crafts bespoke traditional attire embodying elegance and personal style.
Our strong partnerships with Sadhu Vaswani Mission, Oxford Group, Saarthi Group, Keshav Sita Memorial Foundation, Rudra Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, Indus International School, Pune, Blue Venture, Trimurti Group, MIT, BU. Bhandari and Ranka Jewellers have helped us achieve our goals.
Rudra Blue Planet Environmental Solutions
Our Work So Far
0
We’ve collected over kgs of plastic from our school,
and collected over kgs from local restaurants and vendors.
0
7thOct 2022
The Plastic Warriors initiative saw its momentous launch at the Indus International School in Pune, marking a pivotal step in our journey.
Key highlights:
- We proudly welcomed Rudra Blue Planet Environmental Solutions and the Keshav Sita Trust as esteemed partners, who would play a crucial role in the collection and transformation of plastic waste into PolyFuel.
- Over 500 students were enlightened about the urgent need to combat plastic pollution and embrace sustainable practices.
- Renowned Indian Cricketer, Mr. Kedar Jadhav, graced the event with his presence, amplifying the reach and influence of our initiative.
- A strategic decision was made to conduct monthly plastic waste collections from our local vicinity, spanning over three months, to make a tangible impact.
- An inter-house competition within the school showcased our commitment to tackling the plastic problem head-on.
10thOct 2022
We proudly reached a significant milestone in our journey with the invaluable support of the Keshav Sita Trust and Bhumi NGO. Together, we organized a successful clean-up drive around Manas Lake, yielding an impressive collection of over 40 kilograms of plastic waste.
Key highlights:
- Our dedicated team diligently segregated the collected waste into plastic and non-plastic categories, ensuring responsible disposal.
- The plastic waste we gathered was entrusted to the capable hands of the Keshav Sita Trust, while the non-plastic waste was carefully handed over to the school for proper and responsible disposal, exemplifying our commitment to environmental stewardship.
20thJan 2023
We celebrated our second milestone, signifying the remarkable progress we've achieved. Over the course of three months since our initiative's inception, we diligently collected an additional 23 kilograms of plastic waste, underscoring our commitment to the cause.
4thMay 2023
We continued to bolster our efforts, adding another 24 kilograms of household plastic waste to our growing tally since January 2023. This steadfast dedication to our mission saw the collected plastic waste entrusted to our esteemed partners in this endeavor, Keshav Sita Trust and Rudra Environmental Solutions, for the crucial conversion into usable polyfuels.
16thAug 2023
We achieved another remarkable milestone by collecting an additional 21 kilograms of household plastic waste since May 2023. Just as in our previous endeavors, this collected waste was promptly entrusted to our esteemed partners in this initiative.
The increasing momentum we've experienced has been a source of great inspiration for all the students involved. This growing enthusiasm has ignited a collective determination to be more environmentally conscious in our actions and to spread awareness with even greater passion. Our journey continues, fueled by the conviction that every small effort contributes to a more sustainable future.
14th August 2023
We launched a 'Going Green' initiative at our school – Indus International, building on our successful 'Collaborate to Conserve' campaign that collected over 70kg of plastic.
This new phase saw us plant 150 diverse trees, with 148 students lending their hands, earning certificates for their dedication. This green milestone was achieved thanks to the support of Pune's Oxford Group and Saarrthi Group.
10th Oct 2023
In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, we unveiled a Medicinal Plants Garden within our school campus.
The garden featured an impressive array of 25 different medicinal plant species, with four plants of each species carefully planted, resulting in a total of 100 medicinal plants. Additionally, we adorned the garden with 100 ornamental plants to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
The essence of this initiative lay in fostering a spirit of exploration and nurturing an innate connection with nature and the environment among our fellow students. It served as an opportunity to inspire curiosity and encourage learning about the natural world.
The sheer variety of medicinal plants included ones like Lemon Grass, Rosemary, Turmeric, Holy Basil, Aloe Vera, Hibiscus, while the ornamental plants included the likes of Money Plant, Cycas, Hemigraphis, Areca Palms etc.
Recognizing its remarkable contribution to herbal knowledge and biodiversity, our medicinal garden has proudly secured a place in the India Book of Records as the largest medicinal garden within an Indian school campus. With an impressive collection of 200 diverse plant species, it stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering a green and healthy school environment.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of the Oxford Group and Saarrthi Group, whose dedication to our cause has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
Restoration of Medicinal Plants Garden at Indus International School, Pune.
3 Sept 2024
After the initial establishment, we observed that heavy rains had caused significant damage to the garden. To address this, we undertook a restoration project, successfully replanting 137 new medicinal plants of 21 species, including Piper Longum, Aloe Vera, Stevia and many more. This revitalized garden continues to serve as a living classroom and a testament to our commitment to environmental conservation and experiential learning. “Collaborate to Conserve” is a journey and not a one time destination.
12thDec 2023
Plastic Warriors college 20 kg of household plastic waste. Partners Keshav Sita Foundation & Rudra Environmental Solutions convert the collected plastic into polyfuel.
15thFeb 2024
We achieved another noteworthy milestone by collecting an additional 21 kilograms of household plastic waste since December 2023, taking our total tally to over 100 kilograms collected in 1 year and 4 months since the commencement of our initiative. Just as in our previous endeavors, this collected waste was promptly entrusted to our esteemed partners,Keshav Sita Foundation & Rudra Environmental Solutions.
20thMarch 2024
We achieved another noteworthy milestone by collecting another 18 kilograms of household plastic waste. Today, our total tally stands at 167 kilograms, collected in 1 year and 6 months.This collected waste was then entrusted to our esteemed partners for conversion into usable polyfuels.
21stMay 2024
We achieved another noteworthy milestone by collecting 17 Kg. of household plastic waste since March 2024, reaching a total of 184 Kg. of plastic waste in 1 year 8 months since launch.
29thAug 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the latest collection of 16 kg of household plastic waste, gathered between May and August 2024, has helped the Plastic Warriors initiative reach an impressive milestone of 200 kg of total waste collected since its launch in October 2022. The collected plastic was handed over to Keshav Sita Foundation and Rudra Environmental Solutions for conversion into usable polyfuels.
As part of the “Collaborate to Conserve” movement, Plastic Warriors has demonstrated that small, consistent efforts in plastic waste management can have a lasting impact. We encourage all students and parents to expand their participation and manage domestic plastic waste responsibly, as we aim to set an example for environmental conservation on a broader scale.
24thOct 2024
We are glad to share with all of you that the innovative initiative “Collaborate to Conserve” on “Plastic Waste Management” achieved its 10 th milestone on 24th October , 2024. This student led initiative, well guided by school faculty and supported by parents, collected another 20 Kg. of household plastic waste since August 2024, reaching a total of 220 Kg. of plastic waste in 2 years since launch.
Our Initiative Takes On A New Path: Formation Of
The Plastic Tar Road
The Plastic Tar Road
22nd March 2024
We proudly announce a significant advancement in our Plastic Waste Management initiative. In March 2024, we embarked on an innovative "Do & Demonstrate" project, implementing Plastic Waste Tar for the restoration and maintenance of a 4-kilometre stretch of road from Angrewadi Village to Indus International School, utilising 300 kilograms of plastic waste. This project not only champions sustainability, but also bolsters community development efforts.
In line with our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship, this passionate work has inspired additional students - RiyanLodha from Mahindra International School and VivaanRanka from Symbiosis International School - to join the cause, exemplifying how inspirational initiatives can inspire collective action.
To fund this commendable project, the team approached and secured sponsorship from multiple esteemed business groups, including Kool Homes (Trimurti Group), BU Bhandari Group, Ranka Jewellers, Saarthi Group, Blue Ventures Group, MIT Group, and Satguru Sparkles, raising a total of Rs 2.66 lakhs in sponsorship.
The school community also contributed to this sustainable road restoration project through a Bake Sale, emphasizing our commitment to making the most ecologically responsible use of plastic waste. Together, these efforts mark a substantial leap forward in our Plastic Warriors program, demonstrating the power of education, collaboration, and innovation in driving significant environmental change.
Our project received praise from Hindustan Times and Pune Mirror
We're grateful for the media spotlight on the youth's dedication to environmental conservation. Hopefully, 'Collaborate to Conserve' will become a widespread movement and a source of inspiration for people to preserve our beautiful planet.
We Did It Again
2nd Road Restoration with Plastic Waste Tar
I collaborated with Roniet Shende, Riyan Lodha and Aarsh Muttha for the second do & demonstrate project on using Plastic Waste Tar for Road Maintenance and Restoration. This time we touched the lives of senior citizens from Raja Shree Shivray Prathishthan’s “Matoshree Vrudh Ashram”, an old age home located in Karve Nagar, Pune.
Matoshree is just like a big home for all those needy Senior Citizens with various difficulties and no support. We came across the road stretch at entrance of Matoshree which needed restoration. We mobilised funds of about Rs. 1.60 Lakhs from our supporters Oxford Group, Lunkad Reality and Nareetaa Boutique and collaborated with stakeholders to deploy almost 50 Kg. of plastic tar for this project. The project was launched on 28th Sept. 2024 and completed within 3-4 days.
We hope that this movement takes deeper roots in months to come and plastic waste tar becomes the ingredient in all future road maintenance projects across the city.
A Plastic-Free World - Kshitij Keshwani
Kshitij Keswani, a key member of our team, leading boarding school students to collect 400 single use plastic water bottles for recycling from the Mulshi district, Pune
We are working towards expanding our mission towards working for SDG 4: Quality Education For All
Share to Care Education Drive
3rd June 2022
We embarked on a meaningful endeavor called the "Share to Care Education Drive," in collaboration with Sadhu Vaswani Mission as an integral part of Indus International School, Pune. Our collective aim was to enrich the educational resources available to students from Junior KG to First Year graduates. In this noble initiative, we provided essential study materials such as stationery and notebooks to benefit more than 580 school students.
This compassionate undertaking received invaluable support from several organizations, including the Leprosy Rehabilitation and Welfare Organization, Late Dr. Minu Mehta Nagar Social Service Center, Shantai, and Mahila Seva Mandal.
Inspired and fueled by this deeply humbling experience, we vow to continue serving on this mission.
Meet the team who’ve helped us make an impact
Aarsh Muttha
(Coordinator)
Aarsh worked on student awareness on environmental issues, effectively delivering presentations across classes to educate and inspire.
Roniet Shende
(Co-organiser of Green Initiative, Medicinal Plants Garden & Tar & Plastic Tar Road")
Instrumental in partnering with Saarrthi Group, Roniet co-leads the medicinal garden and green initiatives, driving significant environmental impact. Roniet has also played a key role in the Plastic Tar road initiative.
Rajveer Jadhav
(Co-organiser of Plastic Collection Drives and the Education Drive)
Rajveer encouraged the participation of student volunteers and successfully raised funds for essential marketing materials like standees and banners.
Kshitij Keshwani
(Key Contributor)
Kshitij has contributed to the initiative by collecting 400 plastic bottles from restaurants, simultaneously raising public awareness about plastic pollution.
Vivaan
Ranka
(Key Contributor)
Vivaan has played an important role in the formation of the Plastic Tar road, helping bag crucial sponsorships.
Riyaan
Loddha
(Key Contributor)
Also instrumentalin the formation of the Plastic Tar road initiative, obtaining key sponsorships for the same.
Discover our impact through the voices of those who've
joined the cause
Ronith as Head Boy of Indus International School has led multiple initiatives under ‘Collaborate to Conserve’ movement, chief among them being ‘Plastic Warriors.’ Ronith partnered with 11 sponsors and mobilised the school and local community to recycle over 470 kg of plastic waste. He also led the creation of India's largest school-based medicinal plant garden and organised various health camps for the school support staff. Ronith's unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community wellbeing is exceptional.
Ajay Tayade, Head of Career Counselling and College Placement Team , Indus International School, Pune (IISP)
“Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean.”
- Julia Carney
Our Heartfelt Gratitude To Those Who Make Our Efforts and Achievements Possible
Mr. Sandeep Chabra –
Principal, Indus International School, Pune
Ms. Swet Anubha –
Head of Senior School, Indus International School, Pune
Ms. Shylaja Salwan –
Head of Academics, Indus International School, Pune
Captain Rajiv Bali (Retd.) –
Director of Administration, Indus International School, Pune
Mr. Dilip Nalawade –
Manager, Indus International School, Pune
