“Project ZERO” focuses on creating progressive ZERO WASTE Entities (ZW). We work on the vision of sustainability and Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. ZWS is an innovative program whose objective is to help schools, colleges, hotels, companies to divert all recyclable and compostable waste, recycle, reduce waste and recycle by educating students, thus adopting the Circular Economy. This helps schools to reduce their C-footprint by making small but significant changes.It is a scientifically-driven module that works on 12 broad and 61 minor indicators.

Its a comprehensive program that aims at reducing the overall C-footprint of the school. The incorporation of SDGs is extremely important for schools in order to be the temples of driving behavioral change towards Climate Change. The project aims at educating students, schools, teachers , staff and people on Sustainability and Climate change. The program helps to take the message of climate change awareness to youth and students through its education and action programs. Project Zero enables schools and colleges to conserve natural resources like water and biodiversity, optimize energy efficiency, manage waste and educate about climate change and sustainability while addressing the well-being of the students.

WOMEN for INDIA is involved in research and sustainability in India. We engage the change-makers who are committed to the  Environment, Nature, Sustainability, Conservation, and Community.

PROJECT IMPACT AND OUTCOMES-

• Zero waste will make school an entity that would be a 100% zero waste generator. Whatever waste would be generated at the source would be recycled leaving nothing to go to the landfills.
• Rainwater harvesting would allow the storage and use of rainwater as much as possible.
• It will help in the reduction of plastic waste to the maximum.
• It reduces our climate impact – it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One school can reduce up to 5000 kgs of CO2-emissions annually.
• It helps in conserving resources and minimizing pollution.
• It promotes social equity by giving equal employment opportunities to women. It also helps in reducing air, water and soil pollution.
• It supports the local circular economy and creates jobs –Recycling, composting and diversions create 10 times more jobs than disposal. This helps the local economy to grow.

Project Zero was a great success with many enumerable and tangible outcomes and a few innumerable outcomes like the behavioral change in students. The project was also applauded since it covered the mandates and by-laws stated by the Government of India. Swachh Bharat, Jal Shakti, FIT India are a few to name.

The project helps to mitigate the “Climate Change”. The overall impact of the program is measured in terms of reduction in CO2 emissions. This could be equated in terms of additional trees grown. In one of the schools the overall impact was 3,872 kgs reduction in CO2 Emission, which is equivalent to 194 additional trees. The elements of the program are oriented towards the objectives and operationalization of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and COP25. The entire program will cover several aspects of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).