The “Day of Action” is a significant event organized by United Way World Wide, held globally each year during June month. Designed to maximize volunteer efforts and positively impact local communities, the initiative unites individuals, Corporates, and organizations in various impact-driven activities. This year, United Way of Chennai (UWC) advocated the cause of replacing plastic carry bags with eco-friendly paper bags to promote a plastic-free environment. The goal of the initiative was to inspire corporate partners, NGOs, colleges, and the communities that UWC works with to use newspaper bags when shopping and to educate shop vendors about the benefits of switching to paper bags.

Leading by Example: The Transition to Paper Bags

UWC took a proactive approach to combat plastic pollution by advocating for and teaching the craft of making newspaper bags. These bags that were made by the volunteers were distributed to street vendors across Chennai, encouraging the adoption of sustainable alternatives to plastic.

A Fortnight-Long Event: Mobilizing the Community

Central to UWC’s efforts was the ‘Day of Action, a  fortnight-long event showcasing mass volunteering efforts. UWC’s inclusive approach invited volunteers from all societal sectors, including children from tribal communities, school and college students,  women, persons with disabilities, transgender persons, residents from de-addiction centers, members of women self-help groups, NGO partners, government officials, and corporate partners.

Volunteering Partners

The success of the ‘Day of Action’ was due to collaboration with numerous volunteering partners, including Namma School Namma Ooru Palli(NSNOP),  ICMR – National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Sumaithangi Trust, Ford, L&T, GGHS School, Avichi College, ADP, Deloitte, Hindu College, Virtusa, Perunagar tribal community, Delphina de-addiction centre, Wells Fargo, KONE, Born 2 Win, and Society for Rights of All Women with Disabilities. These partners actively participated in the event and engaged in learning the art of newspaper bag making. The volunteers were deeply impacted and stressed the importance of maintaining this initiative year-round.

Impressive Numbers: The Impact of the Initiative

The ‘Day of Action’ saw a remarkable turnout and production:

Total number of volunteers: 2,083

Total number of newspaper bags made: 4,332

Total number of shop vendors reached: 1,249

These numbers illustrate UWC’s substantial impact in promoting sustainability. The large number of volunteers reflects widespread community support, and the 4,332 newspaper bags made represent a significant reduction in potential plastic waste. By distributing these bags to 1,249 shop vendors, UWC extended the initiative’s impact, promoting the use of sustainable alternatives.

Crafting Change: The Newspaper Bag Initiative

Volunteers engaged in crafting newspaper bags, an educational experience highlighting the environmental benefits of sustainable bags and the impact of reducing plastic pollution. Participants became sustainability ambassadors, spreading awareness about eco-friendly practices to their families and friends. The initiative also extended to street vendors, who received the newspaper bags and learned about reducing plastic waste.

Fostering a Culture of Sustainability UWC’s initiative fostered a culture of sustainability and collective responsibility, empowering individuals to take action and providing practical tools to reduce plastic usage. The ‘Day of Action’ demonstrated that significant positive change is possible when diverse groups unite with a common purpose.