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NGO Darpan CSR-1 80G 12A Trust Deed
Competition

Samasya Khoj


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Problem ID: 1000851
🧠 Problem Title: Environment Impact of Conventional Plastic Highlighters
📝 Problem Description

Highlighters are widely used by students, teachers, and office workers for studying, reviewing, and organizing information. Most conventional highlighters are made of plastic and contain synthetic inks. Once the ink is exhausted, they are usually discarded because they are not designed to be easily refilled or recycled. The environmental impact of disposable highlighters is part of Indias growing plastic-waste challenge. According to reported data, India generates approximately 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, while only about 30% is recycled. Plastic consumption in the country has also been increasing steadily over the years. Highlighters are made of multiple materials, including a plastic body, felt tip, ink reservoir, and synthetic ink. These mixed materials make recycling difficult. As a result, used highlighters often become part of the non-biodegradable waste stream. Since highlighters are frequently used in schools, colleges, coaching centres, offices, libraries, and homes, their cumulative environmental impact can be significant despite their small size.

⚡ Impact
Hundreds and more
🌍 Impact Area
Universal
📊 Scope
National
📌 Place
Universal
⏱ Occurrence
Frequently
⚠ Life Risk
No
💰 Financial Loss
Thousands or less

👤 Name
Saanvi Bhatt
🎓 Class
9
📍 State
Punjab