UAE student, 17, tackles cigarette butt pollution
In a world where small trash is easily overlooked, 17-year-old Saksham Uboweja is working to create change through his project, Cygfix. The young expat noticed that the problem of cigarette butt pollution is being ignored, and chose to do something about it. He established Cygfix in order to address this environmental issue by conducting effective awareness campaigns, organizing community cleanups, and implementing innovative recycling strategies.
Saksham, a student at GEMS Modern Academy, began his environmental adventure after he observed a concerning pattern while walking in his Villanova community in Dubai. Saksham remembered noticing that while bigger waste items such as cans and plastic bags were being collected, tiny cigarette butts were piling up on every corner of the street. At first, there were only a couple, but then the number of cigarette butts per spot increased to 10, 15, and even 30. "It wasn't limited to my area; it was widespread."
Although they are small, cigarette butts pose a significant environmental problem. Saksham mentioned that approximately 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are scattered worldwide. They are small enough to go unnoticed, causing many people to disregard them as important litter.
With the assistance of his parents, community members, and classmates, Saksham launched Cygfix on August 5th of the previous year, determined to address this issue. He stated that he started investigating the reasons behind the widespread problem of cigarette butt litter. In my research, I found that numerous individuals are unaware that cigarette butts are classified as litter. Many believe they are capable of decomposing without causing harm.
Saksham initially focused on raising awareness by targeting groups like community helpers and school support staff who were mostly unaware of the impact of cigarette butts. He stated that he talked to individuals in labor camps and school support personnel, demonstrating the widespread presence of this litter. "I also got our gardener to participate in gathering cigarette butts."
The 17-year-old's plan also involves creative recycling methods. Saksham clarified that cigarette butts contain both a paper and plastic filter. Paper can be reused, and plastic can be transformed into items such as tires, road materials, or toys.
Cygfix gathers the cigarette ends, sanitizes them, and transports them to eCycleX, a nearby group that focuses on recycling cigarette butts. Saksham shared that we have gathered more than 30,000 cigarette butts up to now. "It may take a lot of time, but the outcomes make it worth the effort." These plastic bottles contain gathered cigarette butts.
In the future, Saksham aims to increase Cygfix's influence. He stated that our aim is to remove cigarette butt waste from our surroundings and encourage a circular economy. We aim to keep increasing awareness, enhancing our collection method, and intensifying our community campaigns.
The success of Cygfix greatly depends on the involvement of the community. Saksham mentioned that individuals have the option to volunteer either via our website or social media. "Smokers can also contribute by being informed about correct disposal methods and participating in our campaign."
As the new academic year starts, Saksham is juggling his academic commitments with his environmental initiatives. "He mentioned that it will be difficult, especially with the upcoming college applications." However, we have prepared in advance and will proceed with our campaigns with a slightly increased gap. The collection model ensures a continuous supply of cigarette butts, even in the absence of organized drives.
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