Faridabad, July 3, 2025: Marking International Plastic Bags Free Day, Dr. O.P. Bhalla Foundation at Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) has recycled 34,000 kilograms of plastic waste through its sustainability initiatives. This includes the conversion of 24,000 kg of plastic into 12 park benches by the Foundation, and 10,000 kg into over 100 t-shirts and 4 dustbins under Project Reborn, in collaboration with the Lakshay Foundation.
The initiative began in 2023 under the Social Internship Program, a 15-day platform for students of MRIS Sector 14, Faridabad, supported by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forest, Government of Haryana. The project started with a copyrighted Waste Segregation Initiative, including an e-handbook circulated among RWAs via social media and WhatsApp to raise awareness on household waste.
Following the awareness campaign, a structured plastic collection drive was launched. A total of 24,000 kg of plastic waste has been recycled into 12 park benches, which have been installed across Manav Rachna campuses, as well as at Government Senior Secondary School, Bhankhri.
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Under Project Reborn, 10,000 kg of plastic was converted into t-shirts and dustbins. The waste was processed into polyester fibre for textile use. Five women from economically weaker sections were trained in recycling and sales, each earning up to ₹ 20,000 from t-shirt sales. Waste collection and sorting staff were also incentivised. 30 t-shirts were distributed to children at the Government Boys Hostel, NIT Faridabad.
An awareness stall was set up at Manav Rachna Campus, where students and visitors engaged with the project’s outcomes. ₹ 12,000 was raised through on-site sales, which will be reinvested in future phases of the initiative.
The initiative has helped divert plastic waste from landfills and is estimated to have prevented approximately 15 metric tons of CO₂ emissions.
About Dr. O. P. Bhalla Foundation
Dr. O. P. Bhalla Foundation is a social development arm of Manav Rachna Educational Institutions, established in memory of visionary educationist and philanthropist Dr. O. P. Bhalla. The Foundation works across key areas including education, environment, health, skill development, and community empowerment. Through sustained outreach programs, strategic partnerships, and grassroots initiatives, the Foundation strives to create inclusive opportunities and promote sustainable development. Its efforts aim to nurture responsible citizens and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
About MREI:
Founded in 1997, Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) stand as a symbol of excellence in education, providing high-quality learning across diverse fields. With over 41,000 alumni, 135+ global academic collaborations, and 80+ Innovation & Incubation Entrepreneurial Ventures, MREI is home to premier institutions, including Manav Rachna University (MRU), Manav Rachna International Institute of Research & Studies (MRIIRS) – NAAC A++ Accredited, and Manav Rachna Dental College (under MRIIRS) – NABH Accredited. MREI also operates twelve schools nationwide, offering Indian and International curricula such as IB and Cambridge. Consistently ranked among the top in India by NIRF-MHRD, TOI, Outlook, Business World, ARIIA, and Careers360, MREI’s achievements reflect its commitment to quality education. MRIIRS holds QS 5-Star ratings for Teaching, Employability, Academic Development, Facilities, Social Responsibility, and Inclusiveness. MRIIRS has entered the Top 100 Universities list in the NIRF Rankings 2024 with Rank 92 and was placed 38 in Dental Category.
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