Navjeevan

Turning organic waste into compost

Navjeevan is a youth-led initiative addressing the twin challenges of food waste and soil degradation through community based composting. Every day, kitchens generate large amounts of organic waste, most of which ends up in overflowing landfills, producing harmful methane emissions. At the same time, chemical fertilizers used in farming are damaging soil health and reducing long-term productivity

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated June 2025

Web presence

2025

Established

100 2025

1

Countries

All students

Target group

By involving students in composting, waste segregation, and soil regeneration, we want them to understand the full cycle of food, waste, and nature. This experience fosters critical thinking, environmental responsibility, and problem-solving skills from an early age.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

One evening, while walking with my grandmother, I saw a restaurant throwing away huge amounts of food. I was shocked. That moment stayed with me—it made me think about the waste we ignore every day. That’s when I decided to take action.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

Navjeevan operates by installing small composting units in housing societies, schools, and community kitchens. We collect segregated organic waste, process it into compost using aerobic composting methods, and then redistribute the compost to green NGOs, school gardens, and farmers for chemical-free cultivation.
We also organize workshops, awareness sessions, and demonstrations to engage students, residents, and local staff in managing the compost units, creating a self-sustaining model of waste-to-resource management.

How has it been spreading?

Navjeevan has grown through partnerships with schools, housing societies, NGOs, and social media outreach. Our first pilot at a school composting site showed strong engagement, which led to word-of-mouth interest. We’ve received requests to replicate the model in neighboring areas and have been featured on community WhatsApp groups, local LinkedIn posts, and sustainability networks.
As our impact grew, we started a dedicated Instagram and website to document success stories, educate the public, and attract volunteers.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

Start segregating your kitchen waste – separate organic (wet) waste from plastic and others.

Reach out to us at navjeevan.co or on Instagram @nav.jeevan_ — we’ll guide you on how to set up a low-cost compost bin at your home, school, or society.

Join our workshops, download our starter kit, or volunteer with our team to spread the movement.

Implementation steps

1. Waste Segregation at Source

Begin by separating your daily kitchen waste into two categories — wet waste (like vegetable peels, tea leaves, leftover food) and dry waste (plastic, paper, wrappers). Composting only works with organic wet waste, so this step is essential.

2. Choose a Composting Method

Pick a composting setup that suits your space. You can use a plastic bin, clay pot, or bucket with holes for airflow. If you prefer, you can also purchase a ready-made composting kit. Keep it in a ventilated area like a terrace, backyard, or balcony.

3. Add Waste in Layers

Always compost in layers. First add dry material (like dry leaves or shredded paper), then add your kitchen waste. Each time you add wet waste, cover it with a dry layer like sawdust or cocopeat. This prevents bad odor and insects.

4. Mix It Regularly

Use a stick or garden tool to stir the compost every 3–4 days. This adds oxygen to the mix and speeds up the breakdown of organic matter into rich compost.

5. Let Nature Work (Wait & Monitor)

In about 40–60 days, your waste will turn into dark, earthy compost. It should smell like soil, not like garbage. This means it’s fully decomposed and safe to use!

6. Use or Share Your Compost

Use the compost in your home garden or potted plants. You can also donate it to local farmers, school gardens, or NGOs through Navjeevan’s compost distribution program.