Kathmandu, the city of dreams – a place where I, as a young girl, had always envisioned building a successful career and shaping a brighter future. Coming from a small town, I was excited by the opportunities that awaited me in the nation's largest city, hoping to find better exposure and an improved environment. But little did I know; the greatest thunder of challenges was yet to hit..Soon after settling in, disappointment struck. The basic rights and comforts I had once taken for granted seemed to be nonexistent here. The air was thick with pollution, and the city was overwhelmed by the unbearable stench of unmanaged waste at every corner. Every step outside felt like a battle to breathe.  

This was definitely not my dream city. 

When I enrolled in a bachelor's degree in environmental science, I began to see the issues around me more clearly, with a concerned mind. The harsh reality of daily life in Kathmandu became evident, basic needs like clean water, breathable air, and a safe environment were far from guaranteed. For people like me, living in a rented house, water scarcity was a constant struggle, something we faced minute by minute. What surprised me even more was that Kathmandu, despite being one of the most literate and developed places in the country, still lacked the basic environmental awareness and sustainable practices crucial for a better future. This gap in understanding and action made me reflect on the situation in smaller, growing towns. If we don’t begin addressing critical environmental concerns like climate change and pollution now, we risk facing an unpredictable future, one filled with plastic waste, suffocated by pollution, and overwhelmed by toxic smells and chemicals. 

As individuals, we often look towards governments, industries, and authorized bodies to take action against environmental degradation. While their roles are crucial, it’s important to recognize that we all play a part in the problems we face, such as the overuse of plastic, waste dumped on roads, and improper waste segregation. Pointing fingers and excusing ourselves never lead to lasting solutions. Instead, it’s time for us to take responsibility and contribute actively to a more sustainable future. 

We celebrate various calendar events like Global Recycling Day, World Environment Day, Biodiversity Day, World Water Day, and most recently, Zero Waste Day, but the real question is: Are these celebrations resulting in tangible impact? Are we effectively raising awareness and securing the necessary investment through these campaigns? With the worsening environmental conditions, cities filled with dust and pollution, it's becoming difficult to discern the weather or even see the sun clearly nowadays. Along with the growing health hazards, it's more important than ever to reflect on our individual roles from each level of authority and take responsibility for our actions. 

As an environmental science student, and being concerned and aware youth, I believe we must all take practical steps to minimize our environmental footprint. Simple actions, like segregating our waste at home, can have a significant impact. It’s essential to reduce plastic consumption and, where it’s unavoidable, to reuse and recycle it responsibly. We should strive to replace plastic products with eco-friendly alternatives in our daily lives whether it’s using reusable bags, bottles, or opting for biodegradable packaging. We should also focus on the efficient use of resources, such as saving water and reducing energy consumption. Turning off lights and chargers when not in use, transitioning to renewable energy sources and supporting green initiatives can make a huge difference.  

Each of us has the ability to create positive change by adopting sustainable practices in our lives. Small habits like minimizing paper use by considering digital options and sharing ride can be great start to help to make a better environment.   

As I came to Kathmandu with hopes of working hard and advancing my career, the mask I wore became my only defense, yet it couldn’t shield me from the suffocating reality of pollution and waste that surrounded me. Every day felt like I was trapped in a cage made of debris and smog.  

Living in Kathmandu has been an eye-opening experience, forcing me to reevaluate what true development means. It’s not just about economic growth or building infrastructure; it’s about creating a sustainable and healthy environment for everyone. The struggles I face are not only personal; they reflect a much larger issue impacting the entire city. For a rapidly growing urban center like Kathmandu, this should serve as a wake-up call. We must start prioritizing environmental and climate concerns in every aspect of development to ensure a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future for all. As far as I have seen, adopting Zero Waste principles can significantly contribute to reducing waste, fostering sustainability, and paving the way for a healthier, more environmentally friendly future.