Waste Warriors Society

🎥 Got 3:08 minutes? 🍿 Step into a world where mountains are moved, not by sheer force, but by the collective strength of communities united for a common cause. 'Moving Mountains' unveils our solutions to tackle one of the greatest challenges we all face today – unmanaged waste and climate change. In this film, communities take centre stage as the driving force behind transformative change. From popular tourist destinations to remote rural villages, we ensure that our solutions involve ordinary people becoming extraordinary Warriors in the fight against waste, taking action into their own hands. Yet, the real magic lies in YOU – our well-wishers, our partners, our champions. Your support is the heartbeat of our movement, empowering communities to stand tall and face the challenges ahead with resilience and strength. So, are you ready to be a part of something truly monumental? #climateaction #wastemanagement #Himalayas

#Dehradun 's first Environmental Film Festival is finally happening!! Waste Warriors and Been There, Doon That?, in collaboration with ALT EFF invite you to attend a spectacle of 6 beautiful films which will leave you thinking, hungry for (climate) action and yet, full of hope for a better future. We have limited space (40 people), so get your tickets now! Date: 8 December Venue: Cafe Laata, Top Floor Chopra Complex, Jakhan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001 Book here: https://lnkd.in/gVgcRy7E #mussoorie #himalayas #doon #films #film #climate #climateaction #movies #filmfestival

As the festive season continues and Diwali celebrations conclude, bringing joy across the country, a growing issue is becoming difficult to overlook: textile waste. With fast fashion on the rise, the pressure to wear new clothes each year has led to a sharp increase in textile consumption. According to CAIT, Diwali 2023 saw a record ₹3.75 lakh crore spent on textiles and garments, representing 12% of overall festive spending. This year, those numbers have only increased. The result? An enormous surge in textile waste. In Dharamshala, where our Material Recovery Facility (MRF) has been operational for the past year and a half, we observed that in October alone, around 3,400 kg of textile waste was generated, marking a threefold increase and accounting for nearly 9% of the total waste from just 10 wards. While these wards benefit from waste management support, other regions across the Himalayas are not as fortunate. Textile waste often ends up scattered across rivers, tangled in trees, or burned, releasing toxic pollutants. Raj Kumar, a local entrepreneur overseeing operations at the center, explains, "Earlier, it was very challenging, and we were often confused about what to do with this waste, as vendors dealing with textile recycling are hard to find. However, after actively searching, we found vendors willing to take waste from the center." He adds that the waste is further transported to Moradabad, where a textile recycling facility operates (it should be noted that the distance from Moradabad to Dharamshala is 623 km). Transporting this waste consumes fuel and other resources, adding to its environmental impact. To drive meaningful change, we must focus on reducing consumption and transitioning to a circular economy that values quality in clothing. By championing sustainable practices and innovative waste management, we can significantly minimize textile waste and create a more sustainable future. . . . . . . . . #Dharamshala #textilewaste #MRF #Recycling #himalayas 

♻️ Read about how ‘Waste Warriors Society’, a not-for-profit organisation is strengthening the solid waste management systems in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. Interested in learning more or funding this project? Visit www.earthexponential.org #EarthExponential is a platform that brings funders and non-profits together to scale India’s homegrown climate solutions, built by the India Climate Collaborative, and supported by the JSW Foundation. #ClimateSolutions #CSR4Climate #ClimateAction

True progress in waste management comes when knowledge is shared, and local champions are empowered to lead the change in their communities. 🌍💡 Most recently, we had the privilege of hosting 40-50 members from the District Panchayat Office at our Urban Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Dharamshala. Our team conducted an in-depth walkthrough of the waste segregation process, highlighting the various categories of dry waste and demonstrating the MRF’s operational impact on the city. ♻️ We also introduced our Ecopreneur Model, a pioneering approach that empowers local leaders to take charge of waste collection and processing in their communities. We were especially proud to witness our newly-appointed MRF ecopreneur, Mr. Rajkumar, who expertly explained the operations and sparked insightful discussions on the operational costs of waste segregation at scale. 🙌 A big thank you to the DPO team for their curiosity and commitment to advancing waste management in their panchayats. We always enjoy exchanging ideas that pave the way for innovative, scalable solutions! 🌱💪 #WasteManagement #LocalLeadership #Innovation #CircularEconomy #Ecopreneurship #Collaboration

📊 According to the United Nations Food Waste Index Report, Indian households waste 78.2 million tonnes of food annually. In urban cities especially, and growing rural towns, this problem is intensified by limited space for composting, lack of awareness on waste segregation, and inadequate segregated collection systems. As a result, food waste is often mixed with dry waste, contaminating recyclables and ultimately ending up in landfills. There, it rots and contributes to 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions 🌍, according to the IPCC, fueling climate change. At Waste Warriors, we’re actively addressing this challenge through various composting initiatives 🌱. In Harrawala, Dehradun, our Model Ward Program includes a Composting Training Centre at our Material Recovery Facility (MRF), where we demonstrate multiple composting techniques tailored for both individual households 🏡 and small communities (20-25 households). The Centre also operates an in-drum composting machine with a capacity of 1000 kgs of wet waste per day, serving 1650 households across the ward. This hub empowers people to choose the composting journey that works best for them. Interestingly, while conducting surveys, we met Mr Diwan—a retired Army officer turned composting champion, fondly known as the "Composting Man" of Harrawala. For two years, he has transformed his kitchen waste into compost, or “black gold,” and now actively collects wet waste from his neighbours, inspiring his entire community to manage food waste responsibly 🌿. Additionally, we’ve set up composting units in schools in Dharamshala 🏫 and regularly organize community workshops to spread awareness. However, it’s important to note that while the overall food waste issue is pressing, addressing the supply-demand imbalance for compost remains a critical challenge. A lack of widespread demand prevents this approach from fully closing the loop ♻️. Ultimately, we believe waste is not waste until you waste it, and while we continue to improve our composting initiatives, it’s crucial for communities to prioritize reducing food waste at the source 💡. #WorldFoodDay #FoodWaste #Composting #WasteManagement #ClimateAction #CircularEconomy

Daan Utsav in Kasauli was more than just a celebration—it was a call to action. Waste Warriors, in collaboration with Godrej Consumer Products Limited, the Kasauli Cantonment Board, the Indian Army, and the Shoolini Seva Trust, hosted a Daan Utsav Mela to celebrate this week of giving. The day kicked off with the "Run for the Himalayas" marathon, led by Lt. Col. Rohit Roy. The Mela was committed to a zero-waste ethos, ensuring that no disposable items were used. As Aarzoo Sharma from Waste Warriors highlighted, “Even a small gesture of appreciation is a gift.” This spirit of giving infused the event, emphasizing how simple acts can have lasting impact. Additional Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar Yadav, the chief guest at the event, commended the efforts, stating, "The work Waste Warriors has accomplished over the past two years is truly commendable. Establishing the waste bank in Garkhal and initiating waste collection services are significant milestones. Looking ahead, our focus will be on developing the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and we will work together to achieve this goal." He also led by example, donating used clothes for reuse. Many others followed suit, contributing books, money, lamps, bottles, clothes, and other useful items. One of the highlights of the event was the open mic, which drew in tourists and locals to showcase their talents—a unique form of 'daan' through creativity. :) Ultimately, giving isn’t about grand gestures; it’s in the consistent choices we make to protect what matters. Follow the link to celebrate Daan Utsav https://lnkd.in/grWFAs-5 #daanutsav #Indianarmy #change #tourism #Kasauli #climatechange #wastewarriors

As we celebrate Wildlife Week, let’s remember that waste management isn't just about cleaner spaces; it's about protecting ecosystems that wildlife depend on. This Daan Utsav, let's make a difference that goes beyond human communities. Every piece of waste kept out of natural habitats is one less threat to the animals struggling to survive. Join us in safeguarding the Himalayas' rich biodiversity—because when we care for the land, we protect all life it sustains. Follow the link to celebrate Daan Utsav https://lnkd.in/grWFAs-5 #daanutsav #wildlife #wildlifeweek #threatened #biodiversity #animals #himlayas #ecosytem #wastemanagement

Some stories remind us of the power of everyday heroes. Recently, our Paryavaran Sakhi, Ms. Tara Ji, and Waste Warrior Rajesh Goswami from Corbett Tiger Reserve were invited by ABP Network to share their journey. They stood before a national audience during the 10-year celebration of Swachh Bharat Mission, marking the occasion on Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday. For Tara Ji, this was a milestone—her first time stepping out of her home to speak on such a platform. As she shared her challenges and hopes, the studio rose to applaud her work and dedication to keep her village clean. It was a moment of recognition not just for us, but for the thousands of unsung champions who lead the war against waste from the frontlines every day. Watch the full show here: https://lnkd.in/ghUcE7FA As Daan Utsav is now in full swing, it’s time to reflect: admiration is only the beginning—action is what creates change. Daan Utsav is a chance for each of us to move from appreciation to participation, to give back, and to be part of a larger transformation. Let’s make the most of it. Join us in celebrating Daan Utsav: https://lnkd.in/grWFAs-5 #daanutsav #paryavaransakhi #abpnews #swachhbharatmission #gandhijayanti #wastemanagement #wastewarriors

You’ve seen the posts, followed the updates, and admired the work. But have you ever considered how admiration can transform into action? Daan Utsav, India’s festival of giving, is an opportunity to do just that—a chance to recognize that change starts when we take responsibility. It’s about moving from appreciation to participation. Here’s what your support can mean: Clean-Up & Upcycling Efforts: Over 150 clean-ups—each one a powerful message aiding the war against waste. To be battle-ready, our growing community of Warriors needs the right safety equipment—litter grabbers and gloves. The impact of this small convenience? Immeasurable. Support the Unseen Heroes: Safai Saathis fight battles most of us never see. They work in silence, often without basic protection. What’s the value of ensuring their safety, health, and dignity? Your support can provide safety gear, nutritious meals, medical support, and skills training. You could be the reason they stand stronger tomorrow than they did today. Fund Awareness for Lasting Change: Systemic change doesn’t happen in silence. With your help, we can spark 40,000 climate actions—actions that go beyond just talk. Your contribution will promote conversations that open minds and light the spark in others who go on to inspire countless others. It’s an endless loop of good karma. This isn’t just another appeal. The mountains are calling—but this time for help. Will you be their Ambassador for Change? Follow this link to Celebrate Daan Utsav with us: https://lnkd.in/grWFAs-5 #daanutsav #donateforchange #climateaction #bethechange #wastewarriors #wasteworkers