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

📊 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

"In a gentle way, you can shake the world." - Mahatma Gandhi At Waste Warriors, we believe that every action, no matter its size, can drive meaningful change when motivated by love—for the environment and society. Over the last FY, our dedicated team of Warriors has worked tirelessly to empower local communities, strengthen responsible waste management, and inspire climate action. This report not only reflects these efforts but also highlights our approaches, progress, successes, and learnings as we drive inclusive and sustainable systemic change across the Indian Himalayan Region. On this special occasion of Gandhi Jayanti and the 10th anniversary of the Swachh Bharat Mission, we are excited to showcase our Annual Report for FY 2023-24! ✨ Read the full report below https://lnkd.in/gZYePxTs #GandhiJayanti #SwachhBharatMission #WasteWarriors #WasteManagement #Sustainability #ClimateAction #AnnualReport

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

Calling All Case Study Experts and Storytellers! We have released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to develop a case study capturing the impactful stories and photos from a three-year journey focused on the Rural Solid Waste Management Model in Dharamshala and Bir Billing. This Ecopreneurial Model empowers local panchayats with the knowledge and tools to address waste management challenges. Our goal is to showcase the stories of change amid the beautiful landscapes of the rural Himalayas. We invite you to help us tell this story through your expertise in storytelling and photography. For detailed information, please refer to the attached RFP. If you have any questions, reach out to Diya at diya@wastewarriors.org. Proposal Submission Deadline: October 10, 2024. #RFP #Casestudy #storytelling #callforapplications #applynow

For the past two months, we have been working on our dry waste collection pilot in Garkhal Kasauli panchayat, as part of our Khoobsurat Kasauli project, supported by Godrej Consumer Products Limited. The success of this pilot is dependent on active participation and wholehearted involvement of the local community. Waste management can be considered boring and often a taboo in rural parts of the Himalayas. We believe that art and film have the power to deeply connect with people and make involvement fun and engaging. One such example is the village of Gassain in Kasauli, where we recently shot our film Chupa Rustam. What made this experience magical was that the entire cast consisted actors who were not professional actors but the villagers from the community itself. The film shoot felt like a festival, with the whole village participating - even beyond the sunset. One of the young actors, Hiten (won’t reveal the suspense, you will have to watch the complete film for that), was balancing his school exams during the shoot, but his passion to contribute to a film made for a good cause drove him. When his exam results were announced, Hiten had not only excelled in acting but had also championed in his academics. Chupa Rustam is an intriguing short film set in a peaceful village, where strange events begin to unfold. As these mysterious occurrences unsettle the community, the villagers, led by their Pradhan, set out to uncover the truth. Blending suspense with fun, this film will keep you guessing as the villagers solve the puzzle together. Experience the collaborative spirit in action by watching Chupa Rustam here: https://lnkd.in/gqRPFH5J

Empowering the next generation is one of the most rewarding experiences, especially when you are equipping minds to build a sustainable future. Collaborations like the one we’ve formed with Reap Benefit exemplify this principle. Through Reap Benefit’s Solve Ninja initiative, we’ve found a partner deeply committed to nurturing young changemakers—something that aligns perfectly with Waste Warriors' mission to inspire youth through Project YUWA (Youth United for Waste & Climate Action) in the Indian Himalayan region. This collaboration has enabled us to take our first steps in developing tech-enabled solutions, such as the Kachresh WhatsApp chatbot pilot in Dehradun, designed to digitally engage youth in waste management. The partnership has been about so much more than a single project - it’s been about exchanging ideas, deepening our understanding of youth engagement, and creating powerful, hands-on experiences through events like the Climate Chaupal held in Dehradun on July 19, 2024 - where 43 passionate young participants were provided a shared platform to address civic issues for their city. | Most recently, we took part in Reap Benefit’s SolveCon in Jalandhar on September 14-15 where we gained insights on how to cultivate youth-driven movements. We’re excited to include these learnings in any future project design. A big shoutout to Kuldeep Dantewadia, Gauthamraj Elango, Ritika Gupta (She/Her), Bharat Bansal, and Sarah Misra for standing by us throughout this journey. The future looks bright when we “Reap” the benefits of collaborative efforts. #YUWA #reapbenefit #collaboration #solvecon #solveninja #climateaction