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

Today is Global Recycling Day, but what about the waste that can’t be recycled? Sachets and multi-layered plastics (MLPs) were introduced as a low-cost, convenient solution but their true cost is much higher. These small packets, made of fused layers of plastic, aluminium, and other materials, cannot be separated or recycled, making them one of the biggest burdens on our waste systems. At our MRFs, around 60% of the waste collected is sachets and multi-layered plastics (MLPs), proving that “waste is wealth” doesn’t apply when the material has no value in the recycling chain. These plastics pollute our environment, harm wildlife, and offer no economic benefit to informal waste workers who rely on recyclable materials for their livelihood. Meanwhile, waste processing units struggle with the sheer volume of this non-recyclable waste. This Global Recycling Day, let’s rethink convenience. If we truly want a circular economy, we must push for better alternatives, accountability, and systemic change. Watch our latest film supported by Give2Asia, featuring environmental influencer Aalekh Kapoor, to understand why sachet waste is a crisis we can’t ignore. #GlobalRecyclingDay #BeyondRecycling #PlasticPollution #SachetWaste #WasteCrisis

A Warrior’s journey is never easy—but it’s always worth it. The recipe of a Warrior is incomplete without Resilience! Working in the mountains means facing unpredictable weather, rough terrains, and endless challenges. But despite it all, every Warrior shows up with passion, determination, and an unshakable spirit. And that’s exactly why Warriors Day—March 11th—is so special. Today was a day to celebrate each other, to take pride in the resilience we bring to the table, and to acknowledge the everyday battles we fight for a cleaner, greener Himalayas. It was a day to pat our own backs and say, Yes, we’re making a difference. From cheers and laughter to creative activities and community engagements, every location added its own unique touch to the celebration. And of course, what’s a celebration without cake? Thanks to technology, 200+ Warriors across 11 locations came together virtually to send love and birthday wishes to our founder, whose dream started it all. #Resilience #warriors #wastewarriors #himalayas

🌿 Calling All Trailblazers: Lead the Eco-Daan Movement in the Himalayas! 🚀 Ever trekked through the Himalayas, taken in the breathtaking views… and then spotted plastic littering the trails? That moment of frustration—of wanting to do something but not knowing how—is exactly why we’re here. At Waste Warriors, we don’t just talk about responsible tourism—we build it. And now, we have launched Eco-Daan, a game-changing initiative that blends art, technology, and community action to turn every traveler into an eco-champion. We need a leader to drive this movement in Dharamshala—someone who can rally tourists, businesses, and local communities to reimagine travel as a force for good. What You’ll Do: 🔥 Design unforgettable experiences that make sustainability exciting. 🤝 Build partnerships that amplify the movement’s impact. 📣 Shape a communications strategy that reaches 10,000+ tourists/month. 🛠️ Create on-ground infrastructure for real, lasting change in eco-sensitive zones. Who You Are: 🌱 A doer who thrives in rugged terrains & high-energy environments. 🗣️ A communicator who can inspire action in both Hindi & English. 👨🏻💻 A tech-savvy enthusiast who can strategise tech-enabled user journeys. 💡 A strategist who can balance big-picture thinking with on-the-ground execution. 🎯 A leader who lifts their team, their mission, and the communities they work with. If your idea of a dream job is making the Himalayas cleaner, greener, and more resilient—one traveler at a time—let’s talk. 📍 Location: Dharamshala (because where else would you rather be?) ⛰️ Commitment: Full-time, adventure-packed 📩 Apply now & be part of the change! https://lnkd.in/g9viibWv

"Coming here, I realized—we are not alone. So many people are working toward the same goal." "It feels good to have our efforts recognized." "This has given us even more motivation to do better on the ground." These were just some of the voices from Gramin Vikas: Swachhata Ke Sath in Shimla, where 45 changemakers were honored for their relentless efforts in waste management. From Panchayat leaders and SHG members to local businesses and active citizens, these individuals are not just advocating for change—they are making it happen across Himachal Pradesh, especially in Dharamshala, Kasauli, Manali, Bir, and Renuka Ji. At the event, Anirudh Singh, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, reaffirmed the Himachal Pradesh Government's support for Waste Warriors. He also highlighted key initiatives, such as the procurement of 800 e-rickshaws for waste collection and future plans to enhance waste management systems across the state. R.S. Bali, Chairperson of HPTDC, emphasized the power of community-driven action, warmly thanking the awardees for their dedication and underscoring the impact of collaboration between communities, the government, and NGOs. The event also featured engaging activities and a powerful theatre performance by The Beginners, which left the audience energized, reinforcing why this work matters. A big salute to every grassroots Warrior making a difference! :) #SwachhBharat #GrassrootsLeadership #WasteManagement #CommunityDrivenChange

Remember the countless fireflies and buzzing beetles of our childhood? Those days seem distant now as nature’s wonders fade. The Himalayas, once teeming with life, now face a crisis. Rising temperatures shrink glaciers, altering rivers and endangering species like the Himalayan Monal, Snow Leopard, Black Bear, and Red Panda. Tourism, infrastructure, and waste strain forests, while pollinators vanish due to pesticides and habitat loss. These changes don’t just impact wildlife, they impact us too. Weakening ecosystems mean more landslides, vanishing water sources, and failing crops. The loss of one species unravels an entire chain, one we’re part of. On #WorldWildlifeDay, the mountains are speaking. Are we ready to listen? #Himalayas #ClimateAction #WildlifeConservation #ZeroWaste #ActNow

"Pehle Jugnu kitne hote the bachpan mein!" (There used to be so many fireflies in our childhood!) "Haan, aur kitne saare beetles bhi toh hote the, jinko haath mein rakh ke udate the..." (And so many beetles too—we would hold them in our hands and watch them fly.) These fading childhood memories resonate with all of us. The twinkling fireflies, the buzzing beetles, the vibrant butterflies—many of them are disappearing, taking with them an entire web of life. But these are just the changes we can see. The Himalayas, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, are facing an ecological crisis. Rising temperatures are shrinking glaciers, altering river flows, and threatening species like the Himalayan Monal and Snow Leopard. Forests are vanishing under the pressure of tourism, infrastructure expansion, and unchecked waste, displacing animals like the Himalayan Black Bear and Red Panda. Even vital pollinators—bees and butterflies essential for mountain agriculture—are declining due to pesticide use and habitat destruction. These changes don’t just impact nature; they affect us too. As ecosystems weaken, landslides become more frequent, water sources dry up, and crops fail. The loss of one species disrupts an entire chain—one that humans are deeply connected to. On this World Wildlife Day, let’s pause and reflect—what kind of Himalayas will we leave behind? One filled with chirping birds and glowing fireflies, or silent mountains with only stories of what once was? The choice is ours. Share your childhood memories of wildlife in the comments below. #wildlifeday #conservehimalayas #wastewarriors #climatechange

📢 Join us for the conversation on GHG Emissions from Municipal Solid Waste!🌍 Waste Warriors Society & TERI School of Advanced Studies are bringing together experts, researchers, and professionals to explore methodologies for calculating GHG emissions from municipal solid waste in India.  If you're involved in solid waste management, fill out the Expression of Interest (EOI) to be part of this important discussion. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g9sSJ4j9 For any further inquiries, please write to us at ghgconsultation@wastewarriors.org NOTE: Deadline to submit the Expression of Interest (EOI) form has been extended until Wednesday, 5th March 2025. Let’s drive change together! 🤝 #Sustainability #GHGEmissions #WasteManagement

Implementing efficient waste management systems in Himalayan villages comes with numerous operational challenges and requirements. One such challenge is transportation. Owning a dedicated waste collection vehicle significantly reduces costs and enhances efficiency in waste transportation. In our Explore Responsibly project at Govind Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, the absence of a vehicle was a major constraint. However, thanks to Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd’s support, we now have our first waste collection vehicle, which will streamline our operations and improve waste management in the region. 😊 🚙 This vehicle will serve five Gram Panchayats and six villages, with plans to expand to additional communities in the future. To mark this milestone, a traditional inauguration ceremony was held at ONGC’s office in Dehradun. The vehicle was adorned with garlands, vermillion was applied, and the event was conducted in accordance with local customs. Shri Neeraj Sharma, CGM-Head Corporate Administration at ONGC, officially flagged off the vehicle, which is now ready to support waste management efforts and drive positive change in the region. #ongc #wastewarriors #uttarkashi #wastecollection

It’s not every day you find people who talk about waste with fire in their belly; people who don’t just see the problem but are willing to go the extra mile (or a hundred) to do something about it. That’s what made Summit 25 – The Mountain Cleaners special. Held at Sambhaavna Institute, Palampur (Feb 11-14) and supported by Rainmatter Foundation, it wasn’t just another event. It was a gathering of 40 warriors from across the country—NGOs, community groups, individuals—each bringing their own stories, struggles, and solutions. We spent three days learning, unlearning, and pushing each other to think bigger. Facilitator Manali Shah led some amazing activities—postcard activities, buddy groups, hopes and fears activity, deep discussions that sparked new ideas. We walked through the realities of waste management in Bir and Dharamshala, seeing the ground-level work firsthand. One of the most intense sessions? The Pitch Fest. Eight participants, five minutes each, a jury watching, and three winners taking home cash prizes. But beyond the competition, the real win was the energy in that room—people backing each other, ideas taking shape, an ecosystem being built. Now, we go back to our own corners of the world, but this doesn’t end here. Conversations have turned into collaborations, and in the coming months, we can’t wait to see the bold projects and disruptive ideas that will emerge from this summit. #summit25 #mountaincleaners #ecosystem #wastewarriors