Electronic waste (e-waste) is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most pressing environmental concerns. Millions of old electronics, from broken chargers to discarded smartphones and obsolete batteries, are discarded annually, leaching toxic substances that pose a significant threat to soil, water, and public health. Recognising the urgency of addressing this growing challenge, Narayana Schools in East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, have launched a comprehensive e-waste awareness campaign to involve students, parents, teachers, and local communities in the fight for sustainable disposal and recycling.
At the core of the initiative is a transformative belief: electronic waste is not just junk, but a valuable resource waiting to be repurposed. Through this campaign, Narayana Schools aim to instil sustainable habits in children from a young age—habits that can spread to families and communities at large.
“Electronic waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time. Through this campaign, our students are not just learning about sustainability—they are practising it. When children take the lead, families and communities follow,” said Ms. Sharani Narayana, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions. “This initiative reflects our commitment to building environmentally responsible citizens who value conservation, responsibility, and innovation.”
Students participated in various hands-on activities designed to make sustainability both fun and practical. Educational trips to authorised recycling centres gave students the opportunity to witness how e-waste is dismantled and processed safely. On-campus workshops and assemblies focused on the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle—while student-led surveys captured insights into local household practices regarding e-waste.
The creativity of the students took centre stage in projects that turned discarded electronic parts into functional art. In “life-cycle” and “second-life” projects, old components were transformed into clocks, lamps, organisers, and other innovative creations, highlighting the potential of waste to become a valuable resource.
The awareness drive expanded beyond the classroom through street plays, rallies, and flash mobs, spreading the message to the wider community. The initiative also saw the collection of 100 kilograms of e-waste, gathered through student-led drives and community participation, ensuring responsible disposal and raising awareness about the scale of the e-waste issue.
This campaign aligns closely with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), contributing to a cleaner, safer environment for all.
The efforts of Narayana Schools were formally recognised by the Rajahmundry Municipal Corporation for their leadership and innovative, student-driven initiatives. Through this campaign, Narayana Schools have proven that education can be a powerful tool for environmental change, transforming e-waste into an opportunity for community engagement and sustainability.
By empowering students to take ownership of environmental issues, Narayana Schools are paving the way for a future where sustainability is not just taught, but lived.