In India, Naman Gupta, an eco-warrior in Uttar Pradesh, has found a lucrative way to convert cigarette butts, the world's most littered object, into useful articles like toys, mosquito repellents, and organic compost. While his company has made over a million dollars since 2016 recycling more than 100,000 kg (more than 220,000 pounds) of cigarette butts, Gupta is clear about the environmental and social impact of his initiative. Every part of the discarded butt, the filter, the paper and the tobacco is recycled and used. Collection bins have been placed at strategic places in cities, and the collectors are paid by the kilo. The filter, a form of plastic called cellulose acetate, is shredded, cleaned and used as stuffing for cushions and soft toys. The recycled paper forms the base for mosquito repellents and is also composted. CODE Effort, which stands for Conserving Our Depleting Environment, is currently looking into using cigarette filters to create air purifiers to tackle air pollution.

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