In the vibrant subcontinent of India, where tradition and modernity intertwine, the mounting challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability have become increasingly urgent. To combat the escalating waste crisis and protect the country's natural resources, recycling has emerged as a pivotal solution. Businesses in India are also stepping up, integrating recycling and waste management initiatives into their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies, reflecting a sense of responsibility towards society and the environment.
In an exclusive interview with Ekta Narain, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of Recykal, we delve into their innovative digital program, Rethink+, which aims to educate students about recycling's significance in India and address other environmental challenges. Developed in collaboration with the Anubhuti Welfare Foundation, Rethink+ empowers students to become environmentally conscious change-makers by spreading sustainability awareness in schools and corporates. With an inclusive approach and a vision for expansion, Rethink+ envisions a greener and more sustainable India, fostering tangible improvements in waste management and community engagement.
Join us as TheCSRUniverse unravels the inspiring journey of Rethink+ towards a brighter, eco-friendly future:
Q.What is Rethink+?
A. Rethink+, is a digital program, aimed at spreading awareness in schools and corporates for adopting sustainable practices. The program is designed and developed by Recykal, a sustainable tech company which will ensure regular assessments, evaluations, and an offline waste collection drive. Whereas, the implementation is done by Anubhuti Welfare Foundation. The program is free of cost and offers free access to all schools. Through Rethink+, students can actively engage in the promotion of sustainable practices, fostering a greener future.
Q. How does the Rethink+ program, coupled with its waste management solutions, contribute to the CSR objectives of schools, corporates, government agencies, waste aggregators, and individuals in Hyderabad and Bangalore by promoting sustainability awareness, behavior change among students, and supporting their sustainability goals?
A. The Rethink+ program,, significantly contributes to the CSR objectives of schools and corporates. By promoting sustainability awareness among students, the program aims to create a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who can drive positive change. Through the program, students and individuals learn about sustainable practices, such as waste management, water conservation, energy efficiency, and circular economy principles. This knowledge enables them to implement these practices in their daily lives, reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a greener future. The pilot of thor program will first be launched in Hyderabad and Bangalore and will later be extended to the other cities.
Q. Can you provide examples of specific sustainable practices that students can learn and implement through Rethink+ program?
A. Rethink+ program offers students the opportunity to learn and implement various sustainable practices. Some specific examples include:
1) Waste Management: Students learn about waste segregation, recycling, and composting. They understand the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimize environmental impact.
2) Water Conservation: The application educates students about the significance of conserving water and provides practical tips on reducing water consumption at home and in schools.
3) Energy Conservation: Students can learn about energy-efficient practices, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using renewable energy sources, and promoting energy-saving habits.
4) Embracing Circular Economy: The application introduces students to the concept of a circular economy for senior secondary students, emphasizing the importance of resource efficiency, recycling, and responsible
consumption. These sustainable practices empower students to become agents of change and contribute positively to their environment.
Q. What measures are taken to ensure that the Rethink+ program remains accessible and free of cost for schools, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for sustainability education?
A. The Rethink+ program which is being executed by the Anubhuti Welfare Foundation is easily accessible for schools, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for sustainability education. These measures include:
1) Offering the program free of cost: The agenda of this program is to democratize sustainability education and provide it without any financial burden on schools, ensuring equal access to all.
2) Assisted tailor-made learning programs: The program is designed to cater to students from 1st to 12th grade, with subject knowledge curated by experts. This customization enables effective learning for students of different grade levels and diverse backgrounds.
3) Learning modules and quizzes: The program’s learning modules and interactive quizzes keep students engaged throughout the learning journey, enhancing their understanding of sustainability concepts.
4) Learning progress tracking: Schools can continuously track the details of participation Analytics, Learning Analytics, Material Collected and Impact Analytics via admin portal Dashboard.
Q. How is data analytics and technology leveraged in the Rethink+ program to track and measure the social and environmental impact created by participating schools and students?
A. Data analytics and leveraging technology in the Rethink+ program is facilitated by Recykal to track and measure the social and environmental impact created by participating schools and students. The program incorporates data analytics to:
A. Monitor student participation: There is a facility to monitor student participation in the program, allowing schools to identify areas of improvement and recognize active contributors.
B. Measure environmental impact: Recykal leverages data analytics to measure and quantify the significant environmental impact generated by Rethink+. By analyzing the sustainable practices adopted by participating schools and students, Recykal provides invaluable insights into the reductions achieved in waste generation, energy consumption, and water usage. This data showcases the tangible progress made towards a more sustainable future through the implementation of Rethink+.
C. Monitor material collection: Recykal's data analytics enable schools to track the quantity and type of waste materials collected for recycling or responsible disposal, contributing to the circular economy. By leveraging state of the art technology and data analytics, Rethink+ ensures transparency and provides insights into the social and environmental impact generated by the Rethink+ program.
Q. How have schools and corporates in Hyderabad and Bangalore implemented the Rethink+ program and witnessed tangible improvements in their sustainability practices and community engagement?
A. The Rethink+ program has witnessed a definitive involvement from schools and corporates in Hyderabad and Bangalore, showcasing tangible improvements in sustainability practices and community engagement. Here are a few examples:
1) Green School Initiatives: Several schools that implemented the Rethink+ program have initiated waste segregation practices, leading to reduced landfill waste and increased the frequency of recyling within their premises. Students actively participate in material collection drives and encourage their peers and families to adopt sustainable practices at home.
2) Corporate Sustainability Drives: Corporates that incorporated the Rethink+ program have witnessed increased employee engagement in sustainability practices. Employees participate in awareness campaigns, waste reduction drives, and volunteering activities focused on environmental conservation. These initiatives contribute to a more sustainable work environment and foster a sense of corporate social responsibility.
3) Community Outreach: Schools and corporates have extended the impact of the Rethink+ program by organizing community outreach programs. They educate local communities about sustainable practices and promote behavior change beyond their immediate environment. These initiatives create a ripple effect, spreading sustainability awareness and inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly habits. These success stories highlight the effectiveness of the Rethink+ program in driving tangible improvements in sustainability practices and community engagement.
Q. What policy-level changes and advocacy initiatives do you suggest to expedite efforts of organizations such as yours?
A. To expedite efforts and drive policy-level changes, Recykal suggests the following advocacy initiatives:
1) Collaboration with Government: Recykal Welfare Foundation advocates for collaboration between private enterprises, government agencies, and NGOs to develop comprehensive policies and regulations that support sustainability and circular economy practices. By engaging in dialogue and sharing expertise, We aim to influence policy decisions that promote sustainable waste management and resource conservation.
2) Awareness Campaigns: We encourage organizations and individuals to participate in awareness campaigns and advocacy initiatives focused on sustainability. By raising public awareness and mobilizing support, these campaigns can drive policy changes and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices at a broader level.
3) Industry Partnerships: We actively seek partnerships with industry associations and stakeholders to advocate for sustainable practices and influence policy changes within the waste management sector. Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of industry-wide standards and regulations that prioritize sustainability and circularity.
Q. Please share a future roadmap of Rethink+ with us.
A. At present, we have recently entered the corporate and school sectors of Bangalore and Hyderabad. Our primary objective is to effectively cater to the local population in these cities before considering further expansion. Our future plans include extending our services to universities and colleges, as well as expanding to other cities.
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