Over 800 children participated in activities on green education, environmental-awareness and ways of proper e-waste disposal during a three day long event in Hyderabad. This event was organised for spreading awareness on safe e-waste disposal under the Clean E-India initiative ‘Guide Foundation for Development’ (GFFD) in collaboration with Attero and International Finance Corporation. The three-day event was part of the celebrations of World Biodiversity Week from May 22 to 25.

The Clean E-India initiative was jointly launched in April 2013 by International Finance Corporation (IFC)- a member of the World Bank Group - and Attero - an asset management and recycling company - to collect and responsibly recycle electronic waste through an approach that integrates informal waste collectors (kabaadiwallahs) into an organised network.

The aim of the programme is to make the three R’s - reduce, reuse and recycle - a part of people’s daily lives both in terms of thought and practice. Children took part in activities such as an essay writing competition on island biodiversity and saving the planet, an e-waste focused quiz competition and painting competition on environmental protection. The second day witnessed students displayed their creative talent through activities like paintings portraying the concept of e-waste disposal, apart from taking part in fancy-dress competitions and recitations.

As part of the initiative, the programme will reach out to school children, consumers, employees through awareness programmes on safe ‘e’ waste disposal in schools, apartments and institutions in the city. The prize distribution ceremony was preceded by a speech on hazards of e-waste where the children were familiarised with the toxic components found in e-waste and how they affect the environment. The session also focused on informing them about the need to dispose e-waste in an environmentally responsible manner.