In the famed Bhagsu Waterfall Trail of Dharamshala, popular for hiking and birding, a formidable alliance between Waste Warriors and 19 local cafes unfolded. This subsequently thrust the shopkeepers into the forefront of a compelling tourist awareness campaign against littering.
This initiative unfolded by spotlighting the captivating stories of 13 iconic cafes on boards made from Used Beverage Cartons (UBC), leaving an enduring impact on the minds of thousands of incoming tourists. Through creative mediums like art, music, dance, puppetry, and more, Waste Warriors drew in local citizens and tourists alike, blending education and entertainment. This creative approach transforms waste management into an interactive, culturally resonant experience, uniting a diverse set of perspectives towards an eco-conscious mindset and community ownership. Within the framework of this campaign, the shopkeepers became active advocates, fervently encouraging customers to dispose of their waste responsibly with each purchase.
“We don’t need your help in finding a name for us but rather in protecting our nature.” passionately proclaimed the owner of No Name Cafe. Â
In tourist destinations like this, fostering a sense of ownership among the locals is indispensable for involving all stakeholders and securing their support. As a result, every item left along the trail was found by the watchful eyes of the shopkeepers.
Waste Warriors deeply values the active involvement of local communities in the entire lifecycle of designing, implementing, and monitoring sustainable solutions. With a total of 22,000 people engaged, this unique campaign not only strengthened our bond with those engaging directly with tourists but also served as an educational force, transforming the shopkeepers of Bhagsu trail into Waste Warriors.
