“The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” – Robert Swan

The need for waste management arises from its vital role in protecting the environment, ensuring public health and safety, conserving resources, promoting sustainable practices, complying with regulations, and mitigating climate change.

The project “Zero Waste” was mainly focused on taking action to create a clean environment and emphasizing and inspiring the public to adhere to the 3R philosophy. The urgent requirement for sustainable waste management techniques in contemporary society calls for the promotion of trash management advice. As waste generation continues to increase, it is imperative to educate and raise awareness about effective waste management strategies. By providing information and tips on waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal, individuals can make informed choices and take positive actions to minimize their environmental impact.

The requirement for sustainable waste management techniques is addressed in waste management advice, which also offers several advantages. Waste management advice is essential for achieving a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable society because it empowers people, conserves resources, reduces pollution, promotes cooperation, and supports international sustainability goals.

The project was conducted in three phases. To show appreciation for the quiet but significant contribution of the cleaning staff in our university in maintaining the comfort and cleanliness of the university, as our first phase, we distributed lunch packets to each of them.  Cleaning services are needed in a range of circumstances to maintain cleanliness and hygienic settings. Their work is crucial to creating a secure and healthy environment for everyone. By acknowledging and appreciating their efforts, we recognize the worth of their labour and the good impact they have on our lives.

In our second phase, we displayed quotes about waste management in our university canteens. This was done to encourage youth to take action and do their part to contribute to having a clean environment. The presence of thought-provoking quotes can inspire individuals to reevaluate their habits and behaviours related to waste management. They can serve as reminders to make conscious choices, such as reducing single-use items, recycling correctly, and composting organic waste. By promoting behaviour change, the quotes contribute to a more sustainable campus community. Also, by providing relevant information and insights, these quotes can educate people about the environmental impact of waste and encourage them to adopt more sustainable practices.

In our final phase, we did a PR campaign to raise awareness among the public of the 3R concept. As a key component of a circular economy, reducing, reusing, and recycling were the main topics of this series, which was primarily intended to promote and quickly inform the public on this topic.

We intend to implement and encourage composting programs to efficiently handle organic waste to enhance our initiative. Encourage people to compost their food leftovers and yard trash so that it can be turned into nutrient-rich compost for gardening and agriculture. Through educational initiatives, public awareness campaigns, and volunteer opportunities, promote community involvement.

Highlighting waste management tips is crucial in addressing the pressing need for sustainable waste management practices in our society. As waste generation continues to increase, it is imperative to educate and raise awareness about effective waste management strategies. We believe our actions created awareness, inspire behaviour change, encourage discussions, and reinforce the public commitment to sustainability.  We believe that our project created an impact on the public to look over to create a clean environment.

Written by: Rtr. Vidushi Pathirana

Graphic design by: Rtr. Vidushi Pathirana