Mr. Sanjiv Khandelwal, Founder of Sensible Earth, addressed the First Year BBA students on 21st September 2026 as part of an awareness session on environmental sustainability and plastic waste management. As a technology entrepreneur, Mr. Khandelwal identified the growing potential of the environmental sector and ventured into sustainable entrepreneurship by initiating Maka Naka Plastic, an initiative promoting the use of cloth bags as an alternative to plastic bags.
During the session, Mr. Khandelwal highlighted the growing problem of garbage and the need for effective waste management practices. He explained that only around 4% of plastic waste in Goa is recycled annually, while plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade. He also drew attention to the widespread presence of microplastics and stated that approximately 70% of textiles contain plastic-based materials. Globally, an estimated truckload of clothing enters dump yards every second, highlighting the magnitude of textile and plastic waste.
He further emphasised that human beings continuously extract resources from the earth, including electricity and fossil fuels, without adequately replenishing or restoring the natural environment. He pointed out that Goa faces significant challenges related to plastic waste and highlighted the increasing use of plastic bags in the state.
As a sustainable alternative, Mr. Khandelwal advocated the use of reusable cloth bags instead of single-use plastic bags. Through Maka Naka Plastic, the objective is to reduce dependence on plastic bags and encourage environmentally responsible consumption. Sensible Earth also focuses on creating awareness about the harmful effects of plastic and promoting sustainable alternatives among the community.
The session sensitised students to the environmental consequences of plastic pollution and encouraged them to adopt responsible consumption and waste-management practices. It also demonstrated how entrepreneurship and innovation can contribute to solving environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.