In today’s world, mismanaged waste has become a growing crisis. From polluting water bodies to spreading diseases and disrupting livelihoods, it poses a direct threat to both human life and the environment. As garbage piles grow, so does the need to create awareness about zero waste living — a lifestyle not just crucial for the planet but essential for our health and economy too.

Responding to this challenge, the SAFBIN BIP project marked International Zero Waste Day on March 30, 2025, across four villages — Chakeri, Tinsua, Salhedanda, and Dhauranala. The observance saw enthusiastic participation from 181 villagers, including 85 women and 96 children, reflecting the growing interest and ownership among communities in tackling waste at the grassroots level.

The day kicked off with a spirited awareness rally where women’s groups, schoolchildren, and youth walked through village streets holding placards and shouting slogans on cleanliness, waste segregation, and water conservation. These visual and vocal messages aimed to instil behavioural change and encourage sustainable habits.

Simultaneously, six other villages under the project held parallel awareness events. Here, schoolchildren took the lead, creating posters and drawings that captured the harmful effects of waste and pollution. The messages were simple but impactful, urging people to think before they throw.

As part of the practical demonstration, cleanliness drives were conducted around hand pumps and public areas, reinforcing the idea of collective responsibility for clean and safe surroundings.

A standout example of community driven action came from Dhauranala, where villagers — especially women, youth, and smallholder farmers — came together to construct a sack bag dam in the Bade Narwa drain. Built through voluntary contribution and effort, the structure will help conserve water during the dry season, benefiting households and livestock. It not only addresses local water scarcity but also stands as a symbol of how small rural communities can drive climate action from the ground up.

Taking the zero waste theme forward, women farmers were trained in organic composting using cow dung in NADEP compost pits. They also participated in filling the pits as part of shramdaan or voluntary labour. These simple, low cost techniques help turn organic waste into valuable manure, reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers and improving soil fertility — an essential step for sustainable agriculture.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Sushila Parte, Sarpanch of Salhedanda village, underlined the interlinkage of forest, water, and waste. “If there is water, there is life. If we protect our forests, there will be rain. And if we don’t act now, our children will face water wars. Cleanliness should start at home and extend to every corner of our village,” she added.

Observed globally, International Zero Waste Day aims to promote sustainable consumption and production by reducing waste and shifting towards a circular economy — one where resources are reused, recycled, and repurposed.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme UNEP, the world generates 2.1 to 2.3 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste every year, yet millions of people still lack access to proper waste collection. This leads to widespread pollution, health risks, and the loss of valuable resources. A zero waste approach, grounded in the five Rs — Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle, offers an actionable path to cleaner communities and a healthier planet.

In this context, the sack bag dam built in Dhauranala became more than just a structure. It became a symbol of shared responsibility and ecological awareness. From waste segregation to composting and water conservation, each effort reflected the community’s resolve to build a cleaner, more resilient future.

The day concluded with a community dialogue, where villagers reflected on their role in addressing waste and protecting the environment. The platform also allowed them to share ideas and commit to practices that go beyond one day of observance.

Fr. Thomas Philip, Director of Manav Vikas, along with Mr. Manish Vishwakarma, Documentation Officer, and the SAFBIN team from MVSS and MPSSS, appreciated the active participation of the villagers. They urged the community to continue such efforts throughout the year, making zero waste living a habit, not just an event.

By celebrating International Zero Waste Day with such fervour and commitment, these villages under the SAFBIN project have set a powerful example, showing that when communities come together, real change is possible. One village at a time, the journey towards a clean and green future has already begun.