At least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, and plastic makes up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Marine species ingest or are entangled by plastic debris, which causes severe injuries and death.

Plastic sticks around in the environment for ages, threatening wildlife and spreading toxins. Plastic also contributes to global warming.

Waste pickers in India collect, segregate, sort, and sell it further in the value chain although they are not legally permitted. Around 75% of the waste pickers involved in this process are not formally educated.