A recent viral video features a man from Noida named Naman Gupta, who has come up with an innovative method of recycling burnt cigarette butts for the production of toys. In the video by 60 Second Docs shared on their Instagram account, Gupta explains that “most parents would say cigarettes are not toys but i have found a sustainable way to recycle cigarette butt litter into stuffed animals”.
Gupta and his brother founded Code Effort Private Limited which scans for toxic metals and then processes and treats the material until it is safe to be upcycled as filling for plush toys. Though many have applauded his innovation on sustainability, using recycled products others have questioned the safety of the products.
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A video demonstrating the use of Gupta’s approach to recycling includes a process of cleaning and purifying cigarette butts from poisonous metals before using them to produce stuffed toys. As Gupta elaborates, this process helps check that the product is safe for customers to use. He points out that Code Effort employs a scanning technique to remove undesirable substances from the stuff later used for stuffing toys.
Responses to social media have been shaped in distinct forms and different ways. One user commented, “He’s doing something wonderful, stop trying to find a fault.” An Instagram user also told the critics that it’s probably the people who are making such remarks are the people who probably do nothing to help any cause or person. However the other group, who are concerned about the efficacy in which the toxic chemicals are washed off while another user expressed worries about potential risks the materials may pose to children.
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Code Effort aims to promotes a “3P” model: procure, process, and produce which according to them addresses pollution whilst enhancing environmental conservation. Gupta is confident that products made from upcycled materials are environmentally friendly and safe for consumption contributing to the improvement of the world’s environment.
While his business expands, the concern for the safety and efficiency of his recycled products remains problematic for some who still call for more credibility with the process.
