The journey of Sujata Nepal with Project CAP has been nothing short of transformative—not just for the environment, but for herself, her community, and her understanding of what it truly means to create change. Sujata, a young woman with a background in agriculture, had limited initial knowledge of plastic pollution. She knew plastic waste ended up in landfills, but she didn’t fully comprehend the scale of the problem or the potential solutions. However, what started as an opportunity to learn quickly became a powerful mission to make a difference. 

When Sujata joined Project CAP as one of the youth cohorts, she expected to find the usual challenges of waste management: piles of trash, difficult-to-manage plastic, and communities unaware of the environmental consequences. She didn’t expect to see how plastic waste could be turned into a resource, not a burden. 

In Bharatpur, she was shocked to find that the quantity of PET bottles was far lower than anticipated. With an existing Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in the area, Sujata witnessed firsthand the impact of proper waste management. This sparked a realization: Plastic doesn’t have to be waste. It can be valuable if we manage it correctly. 

 "My engagement in this project has taught me the importance of addressing root causes through a grassroots-level, holistic approach to solving complex issues like plastic pollution," Sujata reflects. "It has enhanced my research skills, particularly in data collection and evaluating solutions. I also learned the effectiveness of using innovative methods, such as street drama, to engage audiences, proving that tailoring communication strategies to the target audience is key." 

 But perhaps the most profound transformation came when Sujata began to see the human faces behind the waste. As she worked closely with informal waste workers (IWWs)—especially women—Sujata was struck by their pride and dignity in their work. These women were not just sorting plastic; they were taking charge of their lives, their futures, and the environment. It wasn’t the type of work that defined their value—it was their determination, resilience, and independence that spoke volumes. 

“I never realized how empowering this work can be for women,” Sujata shared. "Many people think these women are marginalized because of their work, but in reality, they are independent and proud of what they do. They have so much to offer, and their involvement in Project CAP has been a game-changer." 

 Sujata's vision for the project had always been to see more women engaged in environmental action, and she was thrilled to witness women leading initiatives like river cleanups, school awareness programs, and waste segregation campaigns. With her own eyes, she saw how the involvement of women in these programs helped shift attitudes and bring about tangible change in the community. 

One of the highlights of her journey came when she helped organize a street drama called Jalsakhi: A Drama on River Plastic Pollution and its Ripple Effects. The performance staged at the Narayani Riverbank, wasn’t just a play—it was an emotional call to action. Over 160 community members gathered to watch as actors brought the devastating effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life to life. For Sujata, it was a powerful reminder of how creative, community-centered approaches can leave a lasting impact. 

“It was incredible to see the community come together,” Sujata recalls, eyes alight with excitement. “Street drama allowed us to reach people who might never engage with environmental issues in a classroom or seminar. The play wasn’t just entertainment but a wake-up call for change. It showed me the power of storytelling in environmental advocacy.” 

For Sujata, the project became a lesson in root cause identification—a realization that addressing plastic pollution isn’t just about collecting trash; it’s about addressing the deeper issues that cause plastic to flood our rivers, our streets, and our lives. From proper waste management systems to changing people’s behavior, it became clear that long-term solutions require systemic change, and these changes must begin at the grassroots level. 

“The street drama was a turning point,” she reflects. “I understood that true change happens when we meet people where they are—when we listen, adapt, and take action that resonates with them. That’s what I’ve learned here: It’s about building trust, identifying what really matters to the community, and creating solutions together.” 

Through Project CAP, Sujata has not only enhanced her research and leadership skills but also gained a deeper understanding of how to use creativity, collaboration, and community-driven efforts to combat plastic pollution. Her journey has been one of personal growth, but more importantly, it has shaped her into an advocate for a sustainable future—a future where the voices of young people, women, and marginalized communities are heard, valued, and empowered to create lasting change. 

Sujata’s story is a testament to the power of youth-led initiatives, the dignity of informal workers, and the strength of community-driven solutions. As she continues to work with Project CAP, her passion for the environment and the people she works with only grows stronger, proving that with the right tools, knowledge, and collaboration, a better future is possible.