Social Media Campaign against Plastic Pollution on Independence Day

Campaign: Say No to Plastic Flags ( #SayNotoPlasticFlags )

Objective:

An increasing use of plastic everywhere causes harm not only to the environment, but to us too. The main motto is to alert people about plastic and its extensive usage leading to harmful consequences. This is not limited just to a particular place or area. The awareness is meant for everyone all over the world. The aim is to reach out to the masses and alert them against this.

Insight:

Softscripts was not to be left behind. On the Independence day, we did a campaign towards this cause. We tried to create awareness among the people and bring their attention to the need of the hour with the help of a video content.

Independence Day attaches different meanings to different people. This made us think out of the box, and we came out with a solution for one of the most crucial social concerns of the present day. A concern that can play havoc with our lives. Yes, in the best interests of the world citizens, we need to ponder about life 20 years from now.

Execution:

India is a vast country with a total population of 1.3 billion. The population of India is expanding at an alarming rate. With the increase of population, pollution too is grossly increasing. Pollution here, is mainly caused due the expansive usage of plastic. It is a matter of pride that India takes the 12th place in the world when it comes to production of plastic. Two major benefits of plastic being, it is highly durable and least expensive. Hence, it reigns as the most common and all purposeful product in most of the households. People ultimately go for this easy option, sadly forgetting the fact that it is a non-biodegradable substance. When thrown out, all it creates is pollution in the environment.

According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, “1,42,870 tons of waste is generated per day and only 29,650 tons of waste is being treated. Rest of all the waste is released normally and this waste is mainly plastic, that is non-biodegradable”

Now, the government has also started taking strict action against the usage of plastic. For instance, the initiative 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan'. It also supports the cause of stopping usage of plastic, mainly plastic flags.

Across the globe, Independence day is considered ta red-letter. So and so, in India. It is the day that fills us with a patriotic fervor filled with our love for the nation. To rekindle the zeal of patriotism and usher in a sense of responsibility in the minds and hearts of Indian Citizens, we reflected upon conducting this campaign on "Say No to Plastic."  

We started with a small idea on the Independence Day - to stop the usage of plastic flags. Rather, to use flags made of fabric or paper, which would be equally bright and tri-colored and serve the purpose as well.

The idea of the video content came up so that we could spread this idea through the use of visuals to make people understand the hazardous impact of the pollution caused by plastic, and the ways and means to reduce it. As said, pictures speak a thousand words. The sole aim of the video was to make people understand the importance of cleanliness and reduce the use of plastic little-by-little, coming up with a different alternative. The crucial step was to make people realize the importance of recycling. It is recycling alone that can reduce the amount of pollution caused to the environment. The final step was to make people use fabric flags instead of plastic flags, and yes, we were successful in spreading the thought - "Say NO to Plastic."

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We started first with the YouTube campaign. Our target was to reach as many people as possible and spread awareness.

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Youtube, Yes, of course! We also started campaigning through other social media sites. We initiated a campaign through Facebook. Here, we came up with a contest, wherein viewers could pitch-in and narrate their personal experiences on "How they had replaced plastic with other biodegradable alternatives?"

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Twitter was also our primary target. Here also, we engaged people in the contest. People tweeted their individual ideas on how to replace plastic using other substitutes. Each one had their own unique ideas - few replaced plastic items with jute items, few with wood, and a few other with paper products.

Result:

We received a very good engagement score - people started liking and supporting our campaign. Eventually, they started sending daily tips and tricks that they had used to replace plastic and recycle it.

In facebook alone, we received a whopping 16,000 views on the #SayNoToPlastic campaign. Next, we could bag 8,353 views on Youtube. This lifted our spirits and made us feel, "Yes! We are doing great. We have accomplished our mission and inspired people to stop the usage of Plastic. Yes, we are doing our bit towards the society."

Overall, the mission was accomplished, and the campaign, a thumping success.

https://twitter.com/softscripts/status/1029350954875813888