Meet a Grassroot Foundation that's Driving Circular Economy!

In an age where environmental and social challenges are becoming more pronounced, one has to wonder: Who is stepping up to fill these gaps? How are grassroots initiatives shaping the future of sustainable development? Today, we delve into the inspiring journey of Lakshya Foundation, a nonprofit that has been quietly but profoundly impacting communities for nearly two decades.

TICE spoke with Mr. Manuj Kumar, Head of Sustainability and Marketing at Lakshya, to explore how their work contributes to the circular economy and what the future holds for this remarkable organization.

From Education to Holistic Community Development

Established in 2006, Lakshya Foundation began its journey with a focus on children's education. Over time, it evolved into a multifaceted organization dedicated to the holistic development of underprivileged children, women empowerment, and environmental initiatives. As Mr. Kumar shares, the turning point came when the founder, an environmental scientist, left his job to fully dedicate himself to Lakshya in 2019. This shift allowed the organization to significantly expand its environmental initiatives, making a notable impact at events like the India Circular Economy Forum.

"We have various initiatives like Plastic Law, Siksha Pav, and more, targeting underprivileged communities," Mr. Kumar explains.

These initiatives include creative solutions such as exchanging plastic waste for vegetables or cloth bags, which are made by women empowered through the foundation's programs.

"In villages like Sayara, near Lucknow, we installed benches made from recycled plastics, fostering community engagement and promoting sustainability."

Circular Economy in Action

A highlight of Lakshya Foundation's work is its innovative approach to the circular economy—a system aimed at eliminating waste and promoting the continual use of resources. Mr. Kumar enthusiastically describes how the foundation has transformed waste into valuable products, such as furniture made from dry waste and plastic. They have also established 'Plastic Cafés' where villagers can trade plastic waste for tea, creating a community hub where environmental and social issues are discussed.

"We are authorized waste collectors for several big brands, and we've partnered with schools and colleges to set up plastic banks," Mr. Kumar notes.

"This helps ensure that plastic waste doesn't end up in landfills but instead re-enters the economy in a sustainable manner."

These efforts not only provide tangible benefits to the communities they serve but also help bridge the gap in the supply of recyclable raw materials to industries, thus supporting the circular economy.

Impact and Future Goals

Lakshya Foundation's impact extends beyond environmental initiatives. Since its inception, the organization has educated over 1,000 students and employed more than 200 women in various centers. Their Plastic Law Tala Power Campaign alone has distributed 50,000 cloth bags and collected an equivalent amount of plastic waste, contributing significantly to waste management efforts.

Looking ahead, Mr. Kumar emphasizes Lakshya's commitment to expanding its initiatives further.

"We are planning to develop a comprehensive module on climate resilience, addressing extreme weather patterns and environmental degradation," he says.

He highlights the alarming rise in temperatures, particularly in cities like Delhi, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.

Government Support and Challenges

The journey of Lakshya Foundation has been marked by collaborations with various government bodies and CSR programs. They have partnered with urban local bodies and worked on projects across India, including eco-village setups in Saharanpur and Azamgarh. However, Mr. Kumar points out that securing funding remains a critical challenge.

"Financing is the need of the hour," Mr. Kumar asserts.

"The government grants, incentives, and CSR funds are essential for these initiatives to continue and expand."

Despite the hurdles, Lakshya Foundation remains steadfast in its mission, leveraging both public and private sector support to drive positive change.

A Sustainable Vision for the Future

Lakshya Foundation stands as a testament to the power of community-driven, sustainable initiatives. By addressing environmental and social issues through innovative and practical solutions, it is making a lasting impact. As the organization sets its sights on tackling climate resilience, it exemplifies how dedicated efforts at the grassroots level can lead to significant, scalable change.

As Mr. Kumar concluded, "It's all about creating a circular, sustainable economy that bridges the gap between environmental and social concerns."

 Lakshya Foundation's journey is a compelling reminder that every small step can lead to monumental change, paving the way for a greener, more equitable future.

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