Amid the busy streets of Kotewali Gali in Hardoi, three young volunteers—Sonali, Shruti, and Stuti—are leading a remarkable transformation. Their efforts to raise awareness about solid waste management (SWM) and composting have sparked a change in the local community’s mindset, turning their neighborhood into a cleaner and greener space. 

During a recent visit to Hardoi, our Communication team member got the privilege of meeting these dynamic changemakers. With great enthusiasm, they shared their journey and described the positive response from the community that has been growing steadily. 

Shruti began by recounting how their journey started: “Our extended family lives in nearby villages, and they often visited us here in Hardoi. Earlier, our streets were filled with garbage; waste collection trucks rarely came. People dumped trash in empty plots and on roadsides. When our relatives saw this, we felt deeply embarrassed. Although they never said anything directly, we knew they mocked us back in the village, calling our area dirty.” 

Determined to change this narrative, the trio started monitoring their neighborhood to prevent people from littering. They identified an unused spot outside the alley as a temporary waste collection area. Around this time, the *Swachhata Khushhali Project* by the FINISH Society, supported by DCM Shriram Foundation, was introduced in their neighborhood. This initiative became a turning point, providing the tools and guidance they needed to make a significant impact. 

“At first, convincing residents to segregate waste at home was a challenge,” Sonali explained. “But when we demonstrated the benefits of composting and maintaining a clean environment, families gradually began to participate.” 

As active members of the FINISH Society’s team, the young volunteers introduced simple but effective solutions, such as providing separate bins for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. Their efforts started paying off—residents now take pride in their clean streets and actively discuss ways to reduce waste. 

The movement also received support from a group of women in the neighborhood, who amplified the impact of SWM practices. These women adopted home composting techniques, turning kitchen waste into organic manure for their flourishing kitchen gardens. 

“We used to throw away vegetable peels and food scraps,” one woman shared. “Now, that same waste helps us grow spinach, tomatoes, and coriander. It saves money and keeps the environment clean.” 

Their thriving gardens have become symbols of sustainability and sources of pride for the community. Witnessing these tangible benefits has inspired others to adopt similar practices, creating a ripple effect of change. 

The collective efforts of young volunteers and committed women underscore the power of community-led initiatives in achieving sustainable development goals. With consistent support and collaboration, Kotewali Gali is steadily moving toward a cleaner and greener future. 

Cleaning up a neighborhood is one thing; keeping it clean reflects the commitment of the community. The dedication of these young changemakers assures us that with the active participation of such individuals, our society is on a path to becoming healthier, cleaner, and more prosperous.