Year 1 has demonstrated the strength of collaboration and shared leadership. Across schools, youth groups, waste enterprises, municipalities, and policy levels, diverse stakeholders have come together to drive meaningful change. The integration of sustainability practices, youth leadership, policy advocacy, and municipal-level action has created a ripple effect that promises to influence national strategies and shape a more sustainable future. 

GreenShifts in Schools: Building a Foundation for Sustainability 

In the past year, schools have become epicenters for sustainable change and driving force for GreenShift campaign, embedding environmental stewardship into their core activities. Key initiatives have included the introduction of waste segregation bins, the implementation of water systems to eliminate plastic bottle use, and the transition from waste burning to formal municipal waste collection. These efforts have been complemented by the switch from plastic lunchboxes to sustainable alternatives, the expansion of green spaces, and a comprehensive ban on single-use plastics. 

A standout achievement has been the continued funding and support for these initiatives by one school, ensuring their long-term sustainability. Collaboration with local municipalities has been pivotal, with the school selected to spearhead these transformative efforts. Formal waste collection services have been secured, and extensive dialogue with the management board, teachers, and students has led to the development of a curriculum designed to foster student leadership in waste management. This has resulted in the creation of waste management guidelines, supported by both financial and technical resources, with the potential to influence national policy on sustainability and waste management. 

GreenShifts in Youth: Empowering the Next Generation 

Youth-led initiatives have ignited a new wave of community-driven sustainability efforts. In Bardibas, a weekly cleanup campaign has been launched, alongside a transformative project to turn Dhapali Tole in Nepalgunj into a model clean and hygienic neighborhood. The first-ever dialogue on waste management in the Gagangunj community also took place, setting the stage for broader community engagement. 

A landmark 12-point pledge to protect the environment and natural resources was signed in Nepalgunj, involving key stakeholders such as local government, schools, the private sector, and traffic police. Youth groups were empowered to lead community-level awareness campaigns, supported with both financial and technical resources. These activities have contributed to the formulation of local policies with the potential to shape national strategies on waste management and environmental protection. 

GreenShifts in Waste Enterprises: Advancing a Circular Economy 

The waste management sector has seen a remarkable transformation, with a focus on internalizing health and safety practices for waste workers and incorporating GESI-friendly workspace requirements into enterprise designs. Efforts to improve financial and environmental compliance, as well as the formalization of waste management businesses, have created a more robust and sustainable waste management ecosystem. 

A key milestone was the organization of a business plan competition, which involved 26 waste enterprises. After rigorous evaluations, 6 finalists emerged, receiving tailored support to develop plans that focus on financial sustainability, environmental compliance, and adherence to GESI guidelines. These enterprises were also equipped to build strategic partnerships, ensuring long-term success and scalability within the waste management sector. 

GreenShifts at Municipalities: Driving Local Change Through the Waste Smart Fellowship 

At the municipal level, the establishment of the Solid Waste Management Committee in Bardibas, under the leadership of the Mayor, marked a major step forward in improving local waste management practices. Working closely with local authorities, waste management directives were formulated and endorsed, setting clear guidelines for municipalities to follow. 

A comprehensive waste mapbook was developed for all first year 3 project municipalities, highlighting critical waste infrastructure, waste collection route, and pinpointing waste hotspots. Additionally, a waste data collection and characterization methodology were piloted in Lalitpur, laying the groundwork for future studies. 

The Waste Smart Fellowship has been central to these efforts, providing fellows with in-depth training in key areas such as GIS mapping, waste management strategies, and circular economy principles. Collaborating with municipalities, these fellows have played a critical role in executing waste management initiatives and ensuring alignment with GESI approaches. 

GreenShifts at Policy Level: Shaping National Policy for Sustainability 

A significant focus this year has been on policy development at the local level. Local Level Solid Waste Management (SWM) policies have been developed across all project areas of year one in close collaboration with municipal governments.  

This collaborative effort has been supported by a series of inception workshops held in Bardibas, Nepalgunj, and Lalitpur, which marked the beginning of a comprehensive policy development process. The project has also conducted extensive research, including waste data collection and focus group discussions, to assess existing policy gaps and inform future policy decisions. Both financial and technical support have been provided to ensure the successful development of these policies, which have the potential to influence national waste management and sustainability strategies. 

These GreenShifts represent a collective commitment to waste management, environmental protection, and the transition to a circular economy. As we move forward, the continued collaboration of all these actors will be essential in amplifying these efforts and securing lasting, impactful change for communities, ecosystems, and economies across the nation. Miles to go before we reach……