In 2019, while working at Xynteo, I had the opportunity to lead the ‘Waste No More’ behavior change initiative for children, a collaborative effort between Hindustan Unilever Limited, Xynteo, and the government of Maharashtra. Our goal for this three-year program was to educate schoolchildren about waste management and sustainability. Highlights of the initiative include:
- Creating a unique digital curriculum for waste management, accessible to public school students via the DIKSHA app, an innovative tool developed by the central government of India.
- Reaching over 80,000 students across 1,550 schools in Kolhapur and Nashik, focusing on effective waste disposal and segregation techniques.
- Inspiring children to become catalysts for change in their communities.
- The digital curriculum, along with the Academy for Earth Sustainability, received over 2 lakh views on the DIKSHA App.
- The program scaled up across the country to over 11+ lakhs students, parents, and teachers via various platforms – television, summer camps, podcasts, and NCERT platforms.
Leading ‘Waste No More’ was a profound experience for me. It wasn’t just about managing a project; it was about creating a positive, tangible impact on the community. This success underscored my dedication to environmental sustainability and my ability to engage and educate young minds about crucial issues like waste management and conservation.
This project demonstrated how public-private partnerships can drive substantial change. It emphasised the influential role children can play in championing environmental conservation in their communities. ‘Waste No More’ not only educated and empowered children but also sparked a wider conversation and encouraged sustainable practices in waste management.