Teenager Vivianna Shekhar leads mission against plastic waste

November 22, 2025

Chandigarh: At just 15 years old, Vivianna Shekhar is inspiring her city to fight plastic pollution through her initiative, “Bin the Waste.” While many teenagers focus on studies and daily routines, Vivianna has taken it upon herself to promote cleanliness, sustainability, and responsible waste management in her community.

Vivianna’s passion for a cleaner environment led her to start the NGO last year, with a mission to encourage proper waste collection, recycling of plastic, and the adoption of eco-friendly habits. Her efforts are aimed at fostering a sense of civic responsibility, showing that waste management is not just a governmental task, but a duty for every citizen.

Recently, Vivianna continued her campaign by visiting the local sabzi mandi, distributing reusable bags to vendors and shoppers alike. This follows her earlier efforts at the city’s grain market, where she persuaded shopkeepers and customers to switch away from plastic bags. The initiative sparked conversations about reducing plastic use, and many participants readily adopted the reusable alternatives she provided.
“These small steps are the start of something bigger,” said Vivianna, reflecting on the positive responses she has received. Encouraged by these victories, she now envisions expanding “Bin the Waste” beyond her neighbourhood to schools, markets, and eventually cities across the state.

Vivianna’s journey is demonstrating the impact young voices can have on social and environmental issues. In a time when plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and public health, her efforts highlight the role individuals—especially youth—can play in driving meaningful change.
Through “Bin the Waste,” Vivianna Shekhar is proving that age is no barrier to making a difference. Her initiative not only educates and motivates the public but also inspires other young people to take proactive steps toward a sustainable future.
For Vivianna, the campaign is more than just an NGO—it is a personal mission to create tangible change in the world, one reusable bag at a time.