The Social Responsibility Committee of Jaipuria Institute of Management, Lucknow, organised a highly impactful initiative titled "Green Footprints: Steps Towards Conservation" Phase 1 on August 16, 2024. The event was part of the institute's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) aims to integrate environmental sustainability with economic growth and welfare. The goal includes targets to reduce global consumption rates, minimize the use of natural resources and toxic materials, and reduce waste and pollutants.

Guided by Prof. Reena Agrawal (Chairperson, Social Responsibility Committee) and coordinated by Mr. Saurabh Singh, the event was meticulously planned and executed with the support of senior committee members Mr. Abhishek Singh, Mr. Mohd Asfi Nasar, and Ms. Vaishnavi Sharma. The initiative was made possible through the dedicated efforts of 15 student volunteers from Sections A and B of the batch 2024-26, who played a crucial role in engaging directly with the residents of Vineet Khand 6. Over 80 households benefited from this awareness drive.

As part of the initiative, the student volunteers actively interacted with over 80 households in Vineet Khand, Gomti Nagar. They explained the importance of sustainable living practices, including water conservation, waste reduction, and the benefits of planting trees and creating terrace gardens. The students provided residents with practical tips on repurposing unused items and reducing plastic usage, fostering a sense of responsibility toward the environment. Their efforts were well-received by the community, with many households expressing a willingness to adopt these practices.

"Green Footprints: Steps Towards Conservation" is a community-driven initiative focused on promoting sustainable living practices within the home. This initiative tackles key environmental challenges by encouraging actionable strategies for water conservation, waste reduction, pollution management, and the creation of green spaces, all contributing to a more sustainable future.

Objectives: The primary goal of "Green Footprints" is to inspire individuals and families to adopt sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation. The initiative seeks to:

• Encourage planting of large and medicinal trees to improve air quality and support biodiversity.
• Promote creation of terrace gardens to reduce urban heat and contribute to local food production.
• Advocate for water conservation methods, including rainwater harvesting, reusing kitchen wastewater, and minimizing water wastage in daily activities.
• Highlight the importance of repurposing unused items like clothing and utensils and reducing plastic usage.
• Educate participants on proper waste management practices, such as composting and recycling, to reduce landfill waste. 

Tree Plantation: Participants will learn how to plant large trees and create a medicinal plant corner at home, contributing to cleaner air and natural health benefits.

Terrace Gardening: Workshops will demonstrate how to effectively use terrace spaces for growing vegetables, herbs, and small fruit plants, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.

Water Conservation: The initiative will cover methods to conserve water, including installing rainwater harvesting systems, reusing kitchen wastewater in gardens, and adopting water-efficient practices for car and floor washing.

Waste Reduction: The program will encourage repurposing and donating unused items, reducing plastic use, and adopting proper waste disposal practices.

Data-Driven Impact: Participants will be provided with data-driven insights that illustrate the environmental benefits of their conservation efforts, such as the amount of water saved, and waste reduced.

Expected Outcomes: By the end of the initiative, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of how small, consistent changes in daily habits can lead to significant environmental benefits. The initiative aims to create a ripple effect, where individual actions contribute to broader community sustainability efforts, resulting in:

• Increased green cover and improved air quality.
• Enhanced water conservation and reduced wastage.
• Reduced reliance on plastic products and improved waste management.
• Greater community awareness of the environmental impact of their actions.

Team Media Relations Committee for the Workshop coverage:

Under the guidance of Faculty Coordinator: Dr. Reeti Agarwal