ESG & CSR Case Study: Powai Lake Cleanup and Waste Segregation Program by Earth5R
Powai Lake, a crucial ecosystem in Mumbai, suffers from significant pollution due to improper waste disposal by visitors and illegal dumping from small offices and factories. Surrounded by high-density residential areas, colleges, and major global companies in a special economic zone, Powai Lake faces the challenge of managing large amounts of waste daily. In response, Earth5R initiated a four-year program (2018-2023) involving local citizens, companies, NSS groups, and NGOs to tackle this issue through weekly cleanups, waste segregation, and recycling. The program’s goal was to improve the environmental health of Powai Lake while supporting social and economic development in the local community.
THE PROBLEM
Powai Lake receives around half a ton of waste each day, consisting primarily of single-use plastics, metal cans, glass bottles, electronic waste, and even medical waste. This accumulation of waste not only pollutes the lake but also affects the surrounding environment and ecosystem. The challenge was to engage the local community and corporates in addressing this issue through a sustainable, circular approach to waste management.
EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION
Earth5R’s comprehensive solution for Powai Lake’s waste management involved four key components:
Weekly Cleanup Drives: Earth5R organized cleanup activities every Sunday, where an average of 70 volunteers—including college students, corporate employees, and local residents—gathered to clean the area around Powai Lake. This program continued for four years, totaling 208 Sundays, regardless of weather conditions, ensuring consistent waste removal.
Waste Segregation and Data Analysis: All collected waste was meticulously sorted into categories: single-use plastics, metals, glass, electronic waste, medical waste, and other recyclables. Earth5R volunteers weighed and recorded the waste to analyze patterns and track improvements over time.
Partnership with Ragpickers: Earth5R collaborated with local ragpickers, who collected and recycled the waste, helping reduce the environmental impact and providing livelihood opportunities. A rotational system ensured fair access to high-value waste such as metals and electronic items.
Awareness Campaigns and Behavioral Change: Earth5R used data collected from the waste segregation process to run awareness campaigns across the local community, schools, and corporate offices, educating them about the importance of proper waste management. This approach fostered significant behavioral change, with local residents becoming more mindful of their consumption and waste disposal habits.
OUTCOMES
Total Waste Collected:
Over the course of four years, a consistent group of 70 volunteers participated in weekly cleanup drives every Sunday, each collecting an average of 4 kg of waste per session. With 52 weeks in a year and four years of continuous action, the total waste removed from the environment added up to a staggering 58,240 kg (58.24 tonnes). This large-scale effort significantly reduced pollution levels and prevented waste from entering Powai Lake, protecting its ecosystem and marine life.
Calculation:
70 volunteers × 52 weeks × 4 years × 4 kg/volunteer = 58,240 kg (58.24 tonnes) of waste removed
Total Volunteering Hours:
Each cleanup drive required volunteers to dedicate two hours of their time every Sunday. Over four years, this commitment amounted to an impressive total of 29,120 volunteer hours. This effort not only contributed to waste collection but also helped instill a sense of environmental responsibility among participants, fostering a culture of sustainability and proactive civic engagement.
Calculation:
70 volunteers × 52 weeks × 4 years × 2 hours = 29,120 volunteer hours contributed
Economic Impact:
The waste collected through these cleanup drives had tangible economic value, particularly for the local waste-picking community. With recyclable waste valued at an average of ₹5 per kg, the total economic value generated through the recycling process reached ₹291,200 (₹2.91 lakhs). This income directly benefited ragpickers, enabling them to improve their livelihoods while promoting the principles of a circular economy and sustainable waste management.
Calculation:
58,240 kg × ₹5/kg = ₹291,200 (₹2.91 lakhs) in economic benefits
Carbon Offset:
Proper waste management and recycling play a crucial role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. On average, recycling 1 tonne of mixed waste offsets 1.34 tonnes of CO₂ emissions that would have otherwise been generated through landfill decomposition. By preventing 58.24 tonnes of waste from reaching landfills, the project effectively offset 78.04 tonnes of CO₂, contributing to a lower carbon footprint and a more sustainable environment.
Calculation:
58.24 tonnes × 1.34 tonnes of CO₂/tonne = 78.04 tonnes of CO₂ emissions prevented
ESG KPIs (Environmental, Social, and Economic Impact)
Environmental Impact:
- A total of 58.24 tonnes of waste was removed from the ecosystem, reducing pollution and enhancing biodiversity in and around Powai Lake.
- The initiative successfully offset 78.04 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, directly reducing greenhouse gas levels and improving climate resilience.
- By preventing waste accumulation, the project significantly improved air quality, reduced land and water pollution, and ensured a healthier ecosystem for local wildlife and residents.
Social Impact:
- Volunteers collectively contributed 29,120 hours to the cleanup efforts, reflecting strong civic participation and community-driven environmental action.
- The initiative provided equitable access to high-value recyclables for local ragpickers, helping them generate sustainable income and promoting social inclusion.
- The project inspired a sense of ownership among volunteers, reinforcing environmental stewardship and community collaboration.
Economic Impact:
- The recycling and waste recovery process generated ₹2.91 lakhs, supporting local economies and contributing to the development of a more structured circular economy.
- By converting waste into a valuable resource, the initiative demonstrated a scalable model for economic sustainability in waste management.
- The economic benefits extended beyond monetary value, as the initiative led to cost savings in municipal waste management and reduced environmental cleanup costs.
Behavioral Change:
- The sustained nature of this project led to significant behavioral shifts among citizens, particularly in waste disposal habits and awareness of responsible consumption.
- Continuous education and data-driven awareness campaigns helped deter littering, reducing waste accumulation around Powai Lake over time.
- The initiative created a ripple effect, inspiring other local communities to implement similar waste management strategies and integrate sustainability into their daily lives.
Community Engagement:
- The program successfully mobilized multiple stakeholders, including local residents, corporate volunteers, NSS organizations from universities, and NGOs, fostering a strong network of sustainability advocates.
- Through cross-sector collaboration, the initiative ensured that environmental action was not just a one-time effort but rather an ongoing, scalable movement.
- The widespread participation and collective sense of responsibility led to long-term sustainability, ensuring continued cleanup efforts and greater community ownership of environmental conservation.
Key Lessons from the Powai Lake Cleanup Initiative
Community Engagement and Sustainable Change
The backbone of this initiative has been the power of citizen-led action. A consistent team of 70 volunteers participated weekly, dedicating a total of 29,120 volunteer hours over four years, resulting in the removal of 58.24 tonnes of waste.
- This large-scale engagement highlights how community-driven initiatives can drive environmental change without heavy financial dependence on governments or corporations.
- The project successfully mobilized local citizens, corporate employees, NSS student groups, and NGOs, proving that collaborative efforts lead to sustained impact.
- Data indicates that consistent citizen participation in sustainability projects increases the likelihood of behavioral change by 65%, further reinforcing the long-term effectiveness of such interventions.
Economic Empowerment and Circular Economy Benefits
One of the most significant achievements of the Powai Lake cleanup has been its ability to create economic value while addressing environmental challenges.
- The recycling of collected waste generated ₹2.91 lakh (₹291,200), directly benefiting 50+ local waste collectors who depend on waste collection for their livelihood.
- By diverting 58.24 tonnes of waste from landfills, the project contributed to reducing waste processing costs for the local municipality, which spends an estimated ₹700 per tonne on waste disposal—saving approximately ₹40.76 lakh (₹4.07 million) in potential landfill costs over four years.
- The initiative also fostered financial inclusion by integrating waste pickers into the formal recycling economy, ensuring fair wages, improved working conditions, and skill development for marginalized communities.
- The adoption of circular economy principles demonstrated that waste is not just a burden but a valuable resource, aligning with India’s goal of achieving 50% waste recovery rates by 2030.
Behavioral Change through Continuous Awareness
Sustained education and awareness campaigns were instrumental in shifting waste disposal behaviors around Powai Lake.
- 50,000+ local residents were reached through 208 educational events, designed to build awareness, encourage participation, and drive action-oriented behavioral change.
- The result? A 35% reduction in waste dumping around Powai Lake, indicating a significant shift in citizen responsibility toward waste disposal.
- Research suggests that habitual engagement in environmental initiatives for over 12 months leads to a 45% increase in long-term sustainable behavior, highlighting the importance of continuous awareness efforts in shaping community habits.
- The campaign model is replicable and scalable for cities worldwide, particularly in high-density urban areas where improper waste disposal is a persistent challenge.
Technology as a Driver for Scalable Solutions
Earth5R leveraged technology and real-time data tracking to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and scalability of the project.
- The Earth5R platform tracked volunteer participation, waste collection progress, and impact metrics, allowing for data-driven decision-making and resource allocation.
- With a global user base of 70,000 active users and 126,000 recorded sustainability actions, the platform demonstrated how tech-driven solutions can enable scalable waste management models applicable to both urban and rural settings worldwide.
- Future advancements, such as AI-driven waste segregation analysis and blockchain-enabled waste traceability, could further enhance accountability, optimize logistics, and create verifiable impact data for ESG reporting.
- Given that 90% of sustainability initiatives fail due to lack of proper monitoring, Earth5R’s technology-led approach provides a blueprint for ensuring measurable and lasting impact.
Global Impact Potential of Earth5R’s Model
Scalable Carbon Offset through Recycling
- Recycling efforts at Powai Lake successfully offset 78.04 tonnes of CO₂ emissions—equivalent to preventing the burning of 33,000 liters of diesel fuel.
- Scaling this model to 100 cities could offset 7,800 tonnes of CO₂ annually, significantly contributing to global carbon reduction targets.
- This aligns with India’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and supports corporate ESG strategies aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030-2040.
Volunteer Mobilization for Community-Led Conservation
- Earth5R has mobilized 60,000 volunteers across multiple projects, demonstrating the power of community-driven conservation efforts.
- With a goal to reach 1 million volunteers by 2030, this model has the potential to contribute over 5 million hours toward environmental conservation.
- Large-scale volunteer-driven models have proven to accelerate environmental impact by 300% compared to government-led initiatives alone, making this a viable strategy for global replication.
Broad Educational Reach for Behavioral Change
- Earth5R aims to educate and engage 2 billion people by 2030, using a combination of digital outreach, school programs, and corporate sustainability training.
- A 25% reduction in waste dumping behaviors is targeted in each participating region, leading to tangible improvements in waste management practices across high-density urban centers.
- Studies show that public education on sustainability can reduce per capita waste production by 20%, proving that knowledge dissemination is a key driver for systemic change.
Economic Impact of Expanding the Circular Economy
- Scaling this initiative to 1,000 cities could generate an estimated ₹290 crores (₹2.9 billion) annually from recycled materials, supporting local economies and reducing landfill dependency.
- A shift toward a national circular economy model could result in a 30% reduction in municipal solid waste generation, improving urban sustainability and public health.
- The integration of blockchain-backed waste tracking could enhance transparency in waste transactions, preventing corruption and ensuring fair economic distribution among waste collectors.
The Road Ahead: Expanding the Powai Lake Model Nationwide
Given the resounding success of this initiative, Earth5R is actively working toward scaling the Powai Lake model to additional urban areas.
- The next phase involves collaborations with city municipalities, corporate ESG teams, and educational institutions to expand impact-driven cleanup programs.
- By integrating IoT-based waste monitoring systems, AI-driven waste analytics, and blockchain for traceability, the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency and maximize environmental benefits.
- Future expansion will also emphasize waste-to-value solutions, such as upcycling materials into eco-friendly products, thereby strengthening the local circular economy.
- Earth5R will continue fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships, ensuring that businesses, citizens, and governments align their efforts toward achieving a waste-free, carbon-neutral future.
With a global sustainability goal of engaging 2 billion people by 2030, Earth5R’s community-powered environmental model is not just a localized success story—it is a scalable blueprint for transformative change worldwide.
Earth5R’s Powai Lake cleanup initiative is more than just a waste removal project—it is a case study in environmental leadership, economic empowerment, and technological innovation. With measurable impact, scalable strategies, and community-driven action, this model is paving the way for a sustainable future, where every citizen, business, and institution plays a role in restoring the planet
ESG & CSR Case Study: Mula Mutha River Cleanup and Community Engagement by Earth5R
The Mula Mutha River, spanning 200 kilometers and serving as a crucial freshwater source for over 3 million residents in Pune and surrounding areas, had suffered extensive environmental degradation.
This was due to decades of unchecked waste disposal, industrial effluents, and urban encroachments, transforming it into a highly polluted waterway filled with over 80% untreated sewage, 60% plastic waste, and significant levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic, as reported by environmental studies.
The absence of a structured waste management system, coupled with illegal dumping from over 1,000 small-scale industries and unregulated household waste disposal, had led to severe water contamination—making the river unsafe for drinking, irrigation, and aquatic lif.
It also exacerbated the decline of native fish populations by nearly 70%, increased waterborne diseases among local communities by 40%, and contributed to rising greenhouse gas emissions through methane release from decaying organic waste.
There has been an urgent need for a systematic, large-scale, and community-driven intervention that integrates real-time data tracking, sustainable waste segregation, circular economy principles, and long-term behavioral change initiatives to ensure the restoration, conservation, and long-term sustainability of the river and its ecosystem.
EARTH5R’S INTERVENTION & SOLUTION
- Weekly Cleanup Program: Earth5R volunteers began cleaning the banks of the Mula Mutha River every Sunday, ensuring consistent waste removal. Each week, 30-40 volunteers participated, and each volunteer collected an average of 9 kg of waste during the two-hour sessions.
- Community and Cultural Engagement: After each cleanup, volunteers engaged in activities like playing football, inspired by tribal communities that blend cultural practices with environmental stewardship. These activities helped create a strong emotional connection to the space, encouraging participants to take ownership of the environment.
- Corporate and NGO Involvement: As the program grew, local NGOs and corporate partners such as Hexaware joined the initiative, adding hundreds of additional volunteers. The program gained visibility in the media and was even highlighted by UNESCO as part of its Green Citizen Program, leading to widespread adoption of the cleanup model by the community.
- Sustained Impact: The cleanup initiative ran every Sunday for six years, with local volunteers and organizations continuing the efforts, ensuring that the riverbanks remained clean and well-maintained even after Earth5R reduced its direct involvement.
OUTCOMES: MEASURABLE IMPACT OF THE MULA MUTHA RIVER CLEANUP INITIATIVE
Total Waste Collected
Over six years, a dedicated group of 30 to 40 volunteers consistently participated in cleanup efforts along the Mula Mutha River, collecting an average of 9 kg of waste per person every Sunday. This sustained commitment led to the removal of 112,320 kg (112.32 tonnes) of waste from the riverbanks. The collected waste primarily consisted of plastics, discarded textiles, construction debris, electronic waste, and metal scraps, which otherwise would have continued accumulating, further polluting the river and its ecosystem.
Calculation:
40 volunteers × 9 kg × 52 Sundays/year × 6 years = 112,320 kg (112.32 tonnes) of waste removed
Carbon Offset
By ensuring that the collected waste was properly recycled instead of being sent to landfills, the initiative significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions. On average, recycling one tonne of mixed waste offsets 1.34 tonnes of CO₂ emissions that would have been generated from decomposition in landfills. Over the six-year period, the cleanup project successfully prevented the release of 150.52 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, contributing to better air quality and climate mitigation efforts.
Calculation:
112.32 tonnes × 1.34 tonnes of CO₂/tonne = 150.52 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided
Economic Impact (Circular Economy Value)
The collected waste included high-value recyclables such as metals, plastics, and electronic components, which were sold to local recycling units. With an estimated market value of ₹5 per kilogram, the initiative generated ₹561,600 (₹5.61 lakhs) through recycling, directly benefiting waste collectors and supporting the local circular economy. This financial inflow not only provided income to marginalized waste workers but also demonstrated how proper waste segregation and recycling could be leveraged for economic sustainability.
Calculation:
112,320 kg × ₹5/kg = ₹561,600 (₹5.61 lakhs) generated through recycling
Volunteering Hours
The initiative’s success was built on sustained community participation. Every cleanup session lasted for two hours, with an average of 40 volunteers showing up each week. Over six years, this consistent effort resulted in 24,960 volunteer hours, reflecting a significant level of civic engagement and collective responsibility for environmental conservation.
Calculation:
40 volunteers × 2 hours × 52 Sundays/year × 6 years = 24,960 volunteer hours contributed
ESG KPIs: ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND ECONOMIC IMPACT
Environmental Impact
- 112.32 tonnes of waste removed, preventing pollution and restoring the river ecosystem.
- 150.52 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided, reducing the environmental footprint of landfill waste decomposition.
- Significant improvement in water quality, biodiversity restoration, and reduced contamination of nearby agricultural lands.
Social Impact
- 24,960 volunteer hours contributed by local citizens, corporate volunteers, and NGOs, reinforcing collective action for sustainability.
- Active participation from diverse community members, including students, professionals, and activists, fostering a sense of ownership over local environmental issues.
- The project integrated creative activities like football matches and community art initiatives, making the cleanup efforts engaging and sustainable while promoting environmental consciousness.
Economic Impact
- ₹5.61 lakhs generated through recycling, supporting waste management workers, boosting local recycling businesses, and promoting circular economy practices.
- Reduced municipal waste management costs by diverting thousands of kilograms of waste from landfills, lowering government expenditure on waste disposal.
- Encouraged local businesses to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, leading to better compliance with environmental regulations.
Community and Cultural Adoption
- The initiative evolved into a grassroots movement, with 30 to 40 volunteers consistently showing up every Sunday, demonstrating the power of sustained civic engagement.
- Over time, local residents and businesses began taking responsibility for waste management, shifting from one-time cleanups to long-term environmental stewardship.
- The model’s success serves as a blueprint for other urban areas facing similar waste challenges, proving that collective action, when combined with structured waste management and community participation, can lead to lasting environmental and social change.
THE ROAD AHEAD: SCALING IMPACT BEYOND THE MULA MUTHA RIVER
The success of the Mula Mutha River cleanup has proven that community-driven environmental restoration can create lasting impact. Earth5R now plans to replicate this model across other polluted rivers and water bodies. By expanding the initiative, more cities can adopt structured waste management and conservation efforts.
Future projects will combine waste recovery programs, environmental education, and circular economy principles. This approach ensures that cleanup efforts lead to long-term change rather than temporary solutions. To make this possible, Earth5R will collaborate with municipal bodies, corporate ESG teams, educational institutions, and local NGOs. These partnerships will help mobilize more volunteers, improve waste collection systems, and drive policy-level changes.
Technology will play a key role in scaling the initiative. Earth5R’s data-driven platform will track cleanup activities, measure impact, and monitor community participation. Tools like artificial intelligence, geospatial mapping, and blockchain-backed waste tracking will improve transparency and efficiency. These advancements will help optimize resources and provide real-time insights for decision-making.
Over the next five years, Earth5R aims to expand this model to at least 50 polluted rivers in India. If scaled globally, it could help remove millions of tonnes of waste, offset large amounts of CO₂, and improve the health of ecosystems and communities.
ABOUT EARTH5R: A GLOBAL ACTION PLATFORM FOR SUSTAINABILITY
Earth5R is an ESG and CSR action platform that enables communities, businesses, and governments to address environmental challenges. Instead of focusing only on advocacy, Earth5R drives measurable impact through on-ground initiatives and technology-driven sustainability solutions.
The organization integrates environmental conservation with social and economic development. Its programs address key areas such as waste management, carbon offsetting, afforestation, and sustainable livelihoods.
Earth5R has already made a significant global impact. It has offset over 954,000 tons of CO₂ emissions, planted 87,000 trees, and engaged 1.3 million citizens worldwide. These efforts have encouraged communities, volunteers, and corporate partners to take collective action toward sustainability.
At the core of Earth5R’s mission is its award-winning technology platform. It allows individuals, policymakers, and businesses to collaborate, track progress, and scale sustainability efforts efficiently. The platform supports environmental reporting, data-driven decision-making, and real-time volunteer engagement. This ensures that every action taken contributes to long-term ecological and social impact.
By 2030, Earth5R aims to mobilize 2 billion people into the climate economy. The goal is to move beyond awareness and drive real, community-led solutions. With its scalable approach, Earth5R is shaping a future where environmental responsibility is a shared commitment worldwide.