As individuals, when we face challenging circumstances, we typically rely on a support system, which may consist of friends, family, or a trusted network of individuals who assist us in times of great need. But what happens when our environment or our community is in the same situation? Who helps? Who comes up with solutions?
Over the years, we have managed to do wonders in the technological realm. From creating telephones, light bulbs, computers of all sizes, to robots that can perform surgery and cars that can drive on their own, our ability to create technology seems endless. We always have a new creation or a new project.
Now what happens when we’re done with it? When we’re ready to move on to the next best thing? What happens to all our creations left behind, unwanted?
The answer is electronic waste, or better known as e-waste. It consists of all types of old, end-of-life or discarded electronic equipment, like household appliances, communications equipment, entertainment electronic equipment, and much more. E-waste contains both valuable and hazardous materials that require special handling and recycling methods.
This is where we step in. InUnity – Innovation for Community along with the Waste Impact Trust, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, and Comedkares organised ‘REimagiNEWaste’, a hackathon whose primary goal was to put forth a helping hand to get students to think creatively and develop practical ideas. They brainstormed ways to improve recycling processes and promote responsible disposal methods. Mentors from prestigious institutions provided guidance and support, encouraging students to refine their ideas and consider real-world implementation.
Field visits were the absolute highlight of the hackathon, allowing students to witness first-hand the magnitude of the e-waste problem. They were given the opportunity to visit recycling facilities and saw the challenges faced by workers in handling and disposing of electronic waste safely. The students were able to gain valuable insights into the reality of e-waste management, how energy is consumed, and discovered how they could make a positive impact. This experience instilled a sense of urgency and helped motivate the students to come up with innovative solutions.
By promoting a mindset of problem-solving, building, and rethinking circumstances, InUnity aims to empower students to think beyond conventional boundaries. The belief in the unique abilities of every student forms the foundation of their educational approach. We strive to help students shed their standard lens of the world and view problems as opportunities for growth and discovery.
At InUnity we believe technology and innovation can be harnessed to create a positive impact on our planet. With initiatives like these, we can look forward to a future where waste is seen as an opportunity for growth and where young minds are empowered to drive change for a sustainable world.
By guiding the youth to reimagine waste as a valuable resource and encouraging them to develop practical solutions, InUnity is nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.
As an organisation dedicated to fostering innovation and empowering students, InUnity has embraced the responsibility of addressing and tackling the sustainability crisis and the triple planetary crisis while fostering transformative impact within communities.
Our initiatives not only address challenges but also inspire individuals and communities to take action, fostering a culture of positive change. At InUnity, our collective endeavour shines as a beacon of hope, reminding us that together we possess the power to forge a brighter and more sustainable future for all. Because at the end of the day, we are indeed part of a community and the greatness of a community is not only acknowledging the challenges, but also being the driving force behind the solutions when the world is in dire need of them.
