Punjab’s latest environmental campaign is catching attention for all the right reasons. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the government has teamed up with a private company to bring cash-based plastic recycling to the heart of Lahore.

At the core of the program is the Green Credits Initiative, which aims to cut back on single-use plastic waste while giving residents financial incentives to participate. Starting next month, specially designed recycling units will appear at university campuses and busy shopping centers across the city.

Each unit is equipped with an interactive user interface. Here’s how it works:

• Press Button A
• Insert the plastic bottle
• Enter your mobile number
• Press Button B

Users instantly receive green credits, and their balance is accessible through a user-friendly app that allows them to track progress and redeem for cash.

Company chairman Gulfam Abid revealed that Lahore currently produces over 500 tons of discarded plastic bottles daily. These units will help convert waste into eco-friendly building materials such as tiles, bricks, and road patching compounds.

For individuals, the reward structure is straightforward: Rs. 1,000 for 20 large bottles or 40 small ones. Even scrap collectors are being integrated into the ecosystem—18,000 of them can now register via the app and receive direct compensation for their collections.

In alignment with International Plastic Bag Free Day, CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the dangers of plastic pollution. She stated that while plastic bags may offer convenience, they contribute to long-term ecological damage, including blocked drains, poisoned water bodies, and potential cancer-causing exposure.

The initiative is part of a broader vision for a plastic-free Punjab, supported by public education, legislative enforcement, and environmentally responsible alternatives.