Tijil Chabbra, the innovative mind behind the MNMIZE project, recently engaged in an enlightening interview with EducationWorld. In this conversation, he shed light on the pivotal role of MNMIZE in fostering climate action and reducing plastic waste generation at the household level. Chabbra shared valuable insights into the platform’s features, emphasizing its ability to calculate plastic consumption, raise awareness, and promote sustainable practices. The interview showcased his dedication to leveraging technology for positive environmental impact, illustrating Chabbra’s passion for creating a greener and more sustainable future.
Can you provide an overview of your sustainability and tech project, MNMIZE, and explain how it aims to reduce household carbon emissions?
The MNMIZE project is designed to accelerate climate action by curbing plastic waste generation at homes and encouraging individuals to participate in eco-friendly initiatives. The web platform, MNMIZE.in, serves as a tool to identify the plastic consumption associated with daily activities like food, kitchen use, bathroom products, and cleaning. With a user-friendly interface, the platform collects information on polythene bag usage, milk packet consumption, and other plastic-related activities. Using this data, MNMIZE calculates the plastic consumption in kilograms for households, employing an algorithm that translates the plastic usage into its carbon equivalent. This enables users to comprehend the environmental impact of their plastic consumption and empowers them with simple yet impactful measures to reduce it in their daily lives.
You mentioned collaborating with a local NGO and conducting workshops. How did these partnerships contribute to the success of your project, and what specific sustainable measures were encouraged among the 200+ families in your locality?
The primary objectives of my sustainable project were to create awareness about the environmental impact of our lifestyles and to provide a utility indicator for individuals to gauge their environmental footprint through daily plastic use. To achieve these goals, I collaborated with the district administration of Sonipat, conducting workshops that focused on plastic waste management and sustainability. These workshops educated people on waste segregation, composting, and reducing plastic use. Simultaneously, I utilized these platforms to promote MNMIZE, allowing people to assess their household plastic usage and discover ways to minimize it. This collaborative effort impacted over 1500 households, resulting in an overall 2-3% reduction in plastic waste, with ongoing efforts to increase this impact at scale.
Your app, MNMIZE.CO2, is currently running a campaign with IPCAWorld. Can you elaborate on how the campaign works and share some insights into its impact on reducing household carbon emissions during the ongoing 100-day challenge?
The collaboration with IPCA is distinct from MNMIZE or any 100-day challenge. It involved the installation of compost units in schools to manage student waste. I reached out to IPCA in July ’23 to explore the feasibility of installing Aerobins in my school for waste management. After understanding the functioning of Aerobins and addressing initial queries from the school, I facilitated discussions between school officials and the IPCA team. The project team, formed with students, led the successful installation of Aerobins in my school, enabling day-to-day supervision with IPCA’s operational support.
As the head boy of DPS Rohini and the President of two school clubs, VORTEX and XINO, how have you leveraged your leadership roles to promote sustainability and tech initiatives within your school and the broader community?
In my role as President of XINO, my focus has been on creating technology awareness through workshops, inter-school tech symposiums, and participation in hackathons. Additionally, with over 500 active users benefiting from MNMIZE, I collaborated with IPCA for compost bin installation, contributing to waste management and conducting awareness sessions. As President of VORTEX, I organized math competitions and an annual Math symposium to engage mathematics enthusiasts.
With over 500 active users and 1500 households benefiting from your project, MNMIZE, can you share some specific success stories or examples of how your platform has positively impacted individuals or communities regarding waste reduction and sustainability practices?
MNMIZE has enabled individuals to track their plastic consumption, fostering environmental awareness and encouraging lifestyle changes. Success stories include heightened sensitivity and mindfulness about plastic use, with users making conscious efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. The platform’s impact extends beyond calculations; it influences behavior, leading to a positive shift in daily practices related to plastic consumption. Overall, MNMIZE has been instrumental in creating a community that actively engages in reducing plastic waste and adopting sustainable practices.