Twenty students of Lucknow Public College of Professional Studies, Gomti Nagar, actively participated in an eco-friendly marketplace initiative organised by the NSS unit. Accompanied by their NSS coordinators, the volunteers visited in the nearby village of Faridpur, Gosainganj, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh – 226501). During the drive, the students distributed handmade paper carry bags to various shopkeepers and encouraged them to replace single-use plastic bags with sustainable alternatives.

The volunteers interacted with traders, street vendors and customers, explaining how plastic waste damages soil, clogs drains and harms animals and human health. Displaying placards carrying messages such as “Say No to Plastic,” “Save Our Earth” and “Let’s Keep Our Earth Clean and Green,” they appealed to everyone to adopt paper or cloth bags in their daily purchasing habits. Shopkeepers appreciated the practical nature of the initiative as they received usable paper bags along with guidance on responsible waste management.

The activity not only promoted environmental protection in the local community and nearby village but also provided experiential learning to the students in the areas of social responsibility, communication and teamwork. Through this outreach, the NSS unit reinforced the importance of small yet consistent behavioural changes for achieving a cleaner and greener environment.