Under Work Packages 3 (Ecosystem) and 5 (Sustainability) of the NEWSTEP project, Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute (SVI), Kathmandu, partnered with Adhri Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. to launch a waste paper recycling initiative as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Between 15 May and 30 August 2025, with the help of 20 student volunteers supervised by teachers Rolina Shrestha and Rajani Maharjan, the institute collected and recycled a total of 1,346.16 kg of waste paper, including dustbin paper and copy paper.
In recognition of the institute’s participation, Adhri Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. provided 310 fresh exercise books plus an additional 33% incentive. These books will be donated to a school in a remote area of Nepal.
The environmental impact was significant: the effort saved approximately 23 trees, 6,538 kWh of electricity, 9,423 gallons of water, and 61.9 gallons of oil, while diverting 12.1 cubic yards of waste from landfills and generating 1,076 man-hours of employment.
Beyond the numbers, the programme raised student awareness of the 3Rs — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle — showing that small efforts at the school level can create a meaningful impact on the environment and society.