Our Journey & Mission
Learn about the people, vision, and mission behind Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation's commitment to creating a landfill-free Earth.
Our Story
Our journey began in 2016 when our college with cleanliness drives during the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. We realized that simply cleaning waste from public places and dumping it in landfills would not solve the waste problem. This was particularly concerning given that almost all waste can be recycled, repurposed, or composted.
We witnessed the devastating impact of plastic waste during sangli floods, reinforcing the need for action. This inspired us to launch Plastic Jagruti Chalwal, an awareness and collection movement focused on plastic waste reduction and recycling.
Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation is a social impact driven non-profit organization, founded with a vision to create Landfill free Earth. Through education, action, and advocacy we are establishing citizen driven systems where every type of waste is segregated, processed, and recycled responsibly—ensuring a zero-waste-to-landfill. (Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation is a registered NGO with 12A & 80G certificate incorporated in 2023.)
Vision
Landfill-free Earth a Zero-Waste Future
To make our Pruthvi free from landfills, where every material is reused, recycled, or recovered for a sustainable future
Mission
Revolutionize Waste Management Practices
Mission-Empowering communities for zero waste -To establish citizen-driven waste-management systems across all 20 wards of Sangli–Miraj–Kupwad — connecting 20,000 households and diverting 300 tons of waste from landfills by 2027 through awareness,segregation, collection, and recycling.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated individuals who are driving our mission forward with passion, expertise, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Himanshu Vaijayanti Vivek Lele
Co-Founder & Director
Community Engagement, Leadership, Content Strategy
Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Law (LLB)
A dedicated leader in community engagement and problem-solving, Himanshu has a strong academic background in Economics, Sociology, Political Science, and Law (LLB). With over eight years of experience, he specializes in leadership, content writing, and designing awareness programs. A co-founder of Mitra Mela (2016), he has been leading impactful social, cultural, and environmental initiatives. He is also a co-founder of WasteCart, providing biogas, gobar gas, and composting solutions in urban and rural areas. As a co-founder of Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation, he is committed to grassroot development and sustainability, driving citizen-led waste management solutions.
Pawan Govind Thombare
Director
Technical Innovation, Project Management, Business Development
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, MBA
An expert in technical innovation, project management, and business development, Pawan holds a diploma in mechanical engineering, a degree in automobile engineering, and a MBA. With a strong foundation in waste management, biogas, solar energy, and recycling, he co-founded Mitra Mela (2016), leading transformative environmental initiatives for the past nine years. He is also a co-founder of WasteCart, offering sustainable waste solutions. His innovative approach earned 2nd place in the Swachh Technology Competition (Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, 2021). As a co-founder of Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation, he applies his expertise to develop scalable and sustainable waste management systems that create lasting impact.
Dr. Madhavi Patwardhan
President & Mentor
Public Health, Sustainability, Community Leadership
Eye Specialist, Swachh Survekshan Brand Ambassador (2022)
A renowned eye specialist and sustainability advocate, Dr. Madhavi guides Pruthvi Zero Waste Foundation with strategic vision. Her leadership connects public health principles with impactful environmental action.
Sayali Daunde
Awareness Team – Outreach & Communication
Journalism, Theatre Arts, Storytelling
Journalist, Theatre Artist
Combining journalism with performance, Sayali engages communities through powerful storytelling and creative outreach, making waste awareness relatable and inspiring.
Sayali Deshpande
Awareness Team – Creative Engagement
Engineering, Theatre Arts, Community Outreach
Engineer, Theatre Artist
An engineer with a flair for theatre, Sayali transforms awareness programs into interactive experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Vasanti Lele
Awareness Team – Waste Management Training
Waste Segregation, Social Work, Citizen Education
Waste Management Expert, Social Worker
With hands-on expertise in segregation systems, Vasanti trains citizens in practical, everyday methods to achieve zero waste to landfill.
Join Our Mission
We're always looking for passionate individuals who share our vision of a landfill-free Earth. Together, we can make a difference.