From Local Clean-Up Drives to Environmental Leadership

Hina Saifi, 25, from Sisola in Uttar Pradesh, grew up in an environment where poor waste management and neglected sanitation systems had become an accepted part of life. The village’s open drains frequently overflowed, stagnant water created breeding grounds for disease, and plastic waste piled up in empty plots. Burning garbage filled the air with smoke, affecting health and making public spaces unsafe, especially for women and girls. 

Disturbed by these conditions, Hina began mobilising her neighbours for clean-up drives, tree plantations, and awareness sessions in schools, urging the community to take ownership of its surroundings. Her work took a decisive turn when she was selected for SwitchON Foundation’s EarthON Bootcamp, where she received training in budgeting, project planning, and community engagement. This helped her transform her scattered efforts into a structured waste management and environmental education initiative. She went on to establish the Earth Buddy Charitable Trust, introducing household waste segregation, composting systems, and the revival of neglected public spaces. 

Building Rural Resilience Through Women’s Leadership

Hina also worked with self-help groups to create income opportunities through eco-friendly enterprises and encouraged a gradual phase-out of single-use plastics. These changes have not only improved sanitation and reduced pollution but have also strengthened community participation, with women and youth leading much of the work. Her model has begun inspiring similar initiatives in neighbouring villages, and her leadership has gained national and international recognition, including representing India at COP29 as a Climate Champion. Despite these achievements, Hina remains firmly committed to her vision of making Sisola a model of rural resilience, where environmental responsibility, women’s leadership, and community pride go hand in hand.