Telangana student innovates biodegradable pots to replace plastic planters

In a remarkable display of ingenuity and environmental consciousness, 14-year-old student Srija A from Zilla Parishad High School, Chintalkunta, discovered a plastic bag buried underground during a tree-planting activity. The plastic remnant, a leftover from previous plantation drives, sparked a pivotal moment for Srija. Determined to find a sustainable alternative to plastic planters, she embarked on creating biodegradable pots made from groundnut shell pulp, an abundant material in her region.

With the guidance of her mathematics teacher, Augustien P, Srija learned about the rich benefits of groundnut shells. Groundnut shells are high in phosphorus and calcium, making them ideal for plant growth. They also retain water effectively and decompose slowly, which is perfect for nurturing plants. Srija set out to test the idea, and after several trials, she succeeded in creating durable plant pots using groundnut shell pulp mixed with natural ingredients.

The result? Eco-friendly planters that not only decompose within 20 days but also enrich the soil with nutrients, promoting healthy plant growth while eliminating plastic waste. These biodegradable pots proved to be an effective, environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional plastic planters.

Srija’s innovative approach garnered attention when she received the prestigious Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Innovation Award in September 2020, recognizing her as a young pioneer in sustainable practices. Her project gained further momentum when she partnered with T-Works, a Telangana-based innovation hub. With their support, Srija set a goal to scale up production to 10,000 biodegradable planters by July 2021, aiming to spread her sustainable practices across her community and beyond.

This initiative is an inspiring example of youth-driven innovation, illustrating how one small discovery can lead to a groundbreaking solution for global environmental challenges. Srija’s commitment to sustainability and her ability to turn a simple idea into a practical solution have made her an influential advocate for eco-conscious practices in her community.

As Srija’s biodegradable planters continue to make an impact, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for young minds to drive change and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.