“India is the youngest country in the world. A nation whose 65% population is less than 35 years old, a nation whose youth is incredibly tough, whose fingers have the deftness to be connected with the world via computers, a nation whose youth is determined to create its own future, that nation now does not need to look back,” said PM Shri Narendra Modi.
Gen Z has been showing a remarkable and innovative stance in addressing waste management in the modern era. Their proactive initiatives and creative solutions reflect a dedication to environmental preservation. Swiftly progressing on the path of “swachhata”, Gen Z’s agile mindset and tech-savvy nature empower them to drive positive change and shape a more sustainable future. Whereas Gen Alpha exhibits a remarkable consciousness for swachhata and eagerly fuses innovation with technology. They seek toys crafted from recycled materials, ingeniously reimagined to align with their eco-conscious perspective.
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has taken initiatives like the Indian Swachhata League, Swachhata ke Do Rang, aimed at engaging India’s youthful populace in the Jan Andolan for cleanliness. In addition to this, MoHUA launched the ‘Swachh Toycathon’ in 2022, which revolved around the ‘Rethinking of Indian toy industry’. The national competition for individuals from all ages as well as groups and start-ups, aimed to bring forth innovation and circularity in design and packaging of games and toys. The competition witnessed entries for eco-friendly toy prototypes, waste-material toys, and inventive concepts reimagining the industry. Organizations like ToyBank are re-purposing old and discarded toys to ensure the ‘Right to Play’ of children of marginalized communities. Household waste items are being turned into toys that teach children about basic principles of science & sustainability. To encourage these crusaders of swachhata, in July 2023, numerous ULBs in Karnataka engaged schools via eco-clubs and started diverse initiatives on plastic waste management as part of the State’s “Plastic Free Campaign.” One notable effort was the introduction of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (RRR) concept, coupled with training sessions to underscore the significance of proper waste segregation and the SUP Plastic Muktha Abhiyana at Hebbagodi CMC.
Uttarakhand-based NGO ‘Waste Warriors’ launched ‘Green Gurukul’ program to involve youth in city sanitation. Operating in 100+ schools, the initiative impacted 39,000+ students, engaging them in sustainable waste management. Integrated into education, it drives behavioral change among students and educators, ensuring compliance with 2016 SWM Rules, emphasizing source segregation and proper disposal. Interactive sessions, movies, games, quizzes, and creative workshops teach waste management to grades 6-12 in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Since its launch in 2014, Youth For Parivarthan started “Clean Bengaluru,” program revitalizing over 400 black-spots, garnering recognition from PM Shri Narendra Modi in the 93rd episode of Mann Ki Baat. Their “Recyclothon” campaign collects used notebooks during summers, recycling unused sheets into new books for rural Karnataka’s government school students. Youth For Parivarthan’s multifaceted endeavors have brought positive changes to Bengaluru’s environment and education system, embodying a commitment to sustainable change.
Since 2014, Satya Foundation, a youth group in Byataranapura, Yelahanka Zone, have introduced a course named, “Trashonomics,” teaching waste management as a resource in schools via young ambassadors bridging generations. Kids learn composting, upcycling, and the 3Rs (Reduce-Reuse-Recycle) to convert waste into resources.
Since 2019, the Himachal-based ‘Dhauladhar Cleaners’ have been collecting trash from Dharamshala’s tourist spots every Sunday. Their goal is to educate and inspire youth towards a healthier, sustainable future. Through ‘cleanup picnics’, volunteers converge at scenic sites, combining cleanup drives with enjoyable outings. Their impact includes 40,000+ KG of waste collected from Himachal’s tourist destinations. items.
Since 2020, a young man from Gujarat, Dr. Binish Desai has initiated recycling of COVID-related bio-medical waste, by transforming them into advanced P-block bricks. His latest innovation, P-block 2.0, is lighter, stronger, and more versatile. During his tenure as Gujarat’s CM, PM Narendra Modi invited Binish to an event, commending his initiative’s efforts. His initiative, Eco Eclectic Tech, has repurposed 45 tons of PPE waste, diverting over 6700 metric tons from landfills and producing 150+ products from various wastes. It’s also facilitated the construction of 10,000+ toilets and 500+ structures. The eco-conscious Gen Z of India is shaping a future where responsible waste management is central to the society.
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