Thursday 14 / November / 2024
MUSCAT : Atharv and Ira Yadav, a brother-sister duo, along with their family team known as the Eco-Trio, have etched their names in history by setting a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the largest sentence crafted from plastic bottle caps.
Their monumental achievement, completed on June 30, 2024, at the Muscat Grand Mall in Muscat, consisted of an impressive 70,080 bottle caps forming the quote by Benjamin Franklin: “Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”
However, the validation of the record officially by Guinness World Record (GWR) was made recently.
This endeavour is aimed to raise awareness about the pressing issue of plastic waste and the critical importance of recycling.
A six-month commitment to environmental advocacy
The Eco-Trio initiated their project in December 2023, collecting bottle caps in 49 bags from various organisations, including Bank Muscat, Oman Cricket Academy, Funzone Qurum and multiple other sources.
The project took over six months and culminated in a meticulous assembly that took more than 15 hours of continuous work. The sentence crafted by the Eco-Trio not only set a world record but also highlighted their commitment to sustainability and the innovative spirit of the community.
Broke previous record
The new record surpasses the previous title held by Japan’s SUMMIT, which involved 60,533 bottle caps arranged in a sentence.
This significant milestone reflects Oman’s increasing dedication to environmental initiatives.
In a related effort, the Cheltenham Muscat School and Oman Sail set a Guinness World Record in December 2023 by forming the largest sentence from 32,316 plastic bottles, emphasising the community's focus on reducing plastic waste.
The Eco-Trio's record-setting attempt is pivotal in raising environmental awareness and encouraging the public to adopt sustainable practices.
After achieving their record, the collected bottle caps were handed over for recycling, where they will be transformed into fibers, contributing to the circular economy.
A community-centric approach
The success of the Eco-Trio’s initiative was made possible through the support of local businesses and community members.
Atharv and Ira expressed gratitude for the support they received, and said, “We hope this record spreads our initiative to a wider audience in Oman and encourages more people to recycle.”
The Eco-Trio’s achievement serves as a powerful call to action for both locals and expatriates in Oman.
By showcasing the potential for creativity and community involvement in tackling environmental issues, they aim to inspire the next generation to engage in similar eco-friendly initiatives. Their project encapsulates the message that meaningful change is possible through collective effort.
The Eco-Trio’s Guinness World Record not only marks a remarkable achievement in environmental activism but also emphasises the importance of collective action in addressing plastic waste challenges. Their dedication and innovation highlight the potential for individuals and communities to drive significant change toward a more sustainable future.
