Project Mumbai hosted the Zero Waste Schools Sustainability Mela 2025, a vibrant, youth-led climate action festival titled “Hope in Action: Youth for a Climate-Resilient Mumbai” that brought together over 30 schools, educators, civic leaders, environmentalists, and hundreds of enthusiastic student changemakers. The Mela showcased how hands-on sustainability can ignite real behavioural change across the city.
The heart of the Mela came alive through three simultaneous hands-on workshops on Sustainable Gift Wrapping, Green Reading and Plastic-Free Décor, paired with a buzzing exhibition zone. Students explored ten interactive sustainability game stalls, circular economy showcases, NGO booths and four Project Mumbai stalls that demonstrated composting, recycling, upcycling and low-waste living. The experience demonstrated how sustainability becomes exciting and accessible when students learn by doing.
The Mela also celebrated student and school achievements through an awards ceremony recognising 9 Level 2 schools, 20 Level 1 schools, and 20 facilitators who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Zero Waste Schools Programme. These recognitions affirmed the progress of schools transitioning into zero-waste zones through composting, segregation and plastic recycling.
One message echoed clearly across the Mela: when students lead, the city moves. The Zero Waste Schools Sustainability Mela 2025 reaffirms that every small action—from segregation habits to upcycling projects—creates ripples far beyond the classroom. With committed partners, inspiring leaders, and passionate young changemakers, Mumbai’s journey toward a cleaner, greener, zero-waste future is already in motion.