Eco Sparks – A Journey Into Recycling

The SDG Cell of the University, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, Finance & Accountancy, recently organized an enriching and educational experience for junior students from Dasve school. The initiative aimed to instil awareness about environmental sustainability and the importance of recycling papers. The two-day event focused on giving the young students firsthand exposure to the paper recycling process at the university's recycling plant, Parivarthana.

The first day welcomed students from classes 6th and 7th, while the second day hosted students from classes 8th and 9th. The excitement and curiosity of the children were evident as they stepped onto the university campus, many for the very first time. To make the learning process engaging, we had prepared an animated video presentation that explained the paper recycling process in a fun and simple manner. The video highlighted the significance of recycling in reducing deforestation, saving water, and minimizing waste. The students watched with keen interest, nodding in understanding as they grasped the vital role recycling plays in environmental conservation.

Following the presentation, the students were taken on a guided tour of the paper recycling plant. Here, they observed the various stages of recycling—collection, shredding, pulping, de-inking, and reformation into new sheets of paper. The hands-on experience fascinated the children as they saw waste paper being transformed into usable sheets, and pen stands out of the recycled paper, reinforcing the message of sustainability in a tangible way. The SDG coordinators for BCOM, Eva Bhatnagar, Anan K. Gibi and SDG faculty coordinator, Prof. Aby Alex enthusiastically explained each process, addressing the numerous questions the students had.

After the informative tour, the students were treated to a refreshing break with fresh fruits and lemonade. Even this aspect of the event was designed to be in harmony with the theme of sustainability—recyclable plates and glasses were used, reinforcing the message of reducing waste. As they enjoyed their snacks, we engaged them in a lively discussion on simple ways to conserve energy in their daily lives. Tips such as switching off lights when not needed, using bicycles or walking short distances instead of motor vehicles, and reducing the use of plastic were shared. The students actively participated, coming up with their own ideas and pledging to implement them in their homes and schools. We also showed them the Solar Panels installed in our college, their reaction was worth seeing.

The event turned out to be more than just an educational trip; it became a mini picnic for the young visitors, providing them a much-needed break from their daily school routine. Laughter and joy filled the air as they bonded with the university members. Their happiness was evident, making the initiative even more rewarding for us as coordinators.

As a heartwarming conclusion, we provided the children with sticky notes, inviting them to share their thoughts and feedback about the visit. What we received in return were the most adorable, innocent, and thoughtful messages of gratitude and joy. Some notes read, "I will teach my parents about recycling!". These words reaffirmed our belief that small steps in education and awareness can create a lasting impact. Overall, the initiative was a resounding success, blending learning with fun and inspiring the next generation to be more conscious of their environment. We hope to conduct more such activities in the future, continuing our efforts in shaping a greener tomorrow.