The Litter Less Campaign through the YRE programme in India has reached 150 schools across 28 cities, involving 180,000 students and training 550 teachers in pollution and sustainability education. The campaign also reached an additional 100,000 individuals through media and community outreach.
A highlight of the year was a large-scale Community Action Day involving 48 schools, where students engaged in lectures, creative competitions, and clean-up efforts focused on waste reduction and waste management. Ten schools underwent a survey on their waste management practices, receiving guidance to become zero-waste campuses. Creative waste and pollution management competitions were also conducted in schools.
A national plastic collection drive led to recycling initiatives, including the creation of public-use benches from collected plastic. Informal education groups also played a role, with 50 clubs and groups joining campaign efforts. India’s national PR campaign amplified impact through paper and cloth bag-making initiatives that funded school causes, as well as expert-led sessions on sustainability. The campaign continues to inspire youth-driven innovation and community action across the country.