When someone smokes a cigarette, many chemicals are released into the air which causes severe health issues to the smoker.
Apart from the health risks to the smoker and those around them, cigarette smoke also contributes to environmental pollution. Cigarette butts, which are the most commonly littered item globally, are not biodegradable. They contain plastic filters that can take years to break down, releasing toxins into the soil and water.
Every year, an astonishing 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are left as litter around the world.
Recently, a video came out from Noida of a man named, Naman Gupta who has gained attention online. Naman Gupta, the co-founder of Code Effort Private Limited, along with his brother Vipul, uses a biodegradable technique to extract fibres from burnt cigarette butts.
In this viral video, Naman Gupta shares his innovative way of recycling discarded cigarette butts by turning them into cute stuff toys. The video starts by highlighting the harm caused by cigarette waste to the environment. It then shows how Gupta collects used cigarette butts, extracts the fibers from them, and puts them through a 24-hour biodegradable recycling process. Finally the result is that these fibers are repurposed into stuffing for plush toys, ensuring they are safe for children and certified for quality.
Naman said in the video, “By making a product that is related to our youth, it gives them awareness that cigarette butts are polluting our beautiful environment. But if we work together as humanity, as one, we can recycle this cigarette waste to solve this problem.”
The video was captioned with, “Most parents would say cigarettes are not toys, but Naman Gupta from Noida, India has found a sustainable way to recycle cigarette butt litter… into stuffed animals. Gupta and his brother founded Code Effort Private Limited which scans for toxic metals, then processes and treats the product until it’s safe to be upcycled as filling for plush stuffies.”
The video has around more than 2.6 lakhs views. Gupta’s company, Code Effort Private Limited, is not just limited to Noida. They have now extended their services for collecting cigarette butts to Delhi and Gurugram as well. The company has successfully recycled over 250 million cigarette butts, a significant achievement that Gupta sees as the start of a bigger initiative.
Naman stated “If we work together with humanity as one, we can recycle cigarette waste to solve this problem.”
The company makes various items from recycled fibers, apart from plush toys like mosquito repellents, and compost powder. Mr. Gupta stated, “We’re not encouraging smoking, but we think the waste it creates can be reused for positive purposes.”
Naman innovative approach to recycling cigarette butts into teddy bears and other eco-friendly products is not only commendable but also a source of inspiration for many. Naman’s remarkable work in transforming cigarette butts into eco-friendly products serves as a beacon of inspiration for many. His commitment to sustainability and creative solutions highlights the power of individual actions in making a positive impact on the environment. His initiative not only showcases his dedication but also motivates others to think innovatively and contribute to a greener world.
