20/10/2026
On 20 October, SAYS India Chapter conducted a workshop with 52 students at Patkai Higher Secondary School, Nagaland, India exploring the connection between Climate Change, Waste Management, and Sustainable Consumption.
The session began with Meneno Terhuja, Team Lead of SAYS India Chapter, introducing SAYS and discussing climate action beyond the conventional understanding. The discussion explored greenwashing, how our everyday choices also contribute to broader environmental challenges, highlighting the importance of rethinking how we consume and dispose of resources.
The first session featured Adrian Mahung from Dimapur Municipal Council, who shared insights into the waste management scenario in Nagaland, the challenges surrounding waste disposal, and the need for more responsible practices and public participation, and shared ideas on how students can be Waste Warriors. This was followed by a student activity, “Letter to the Public,” where students reflected on local waste issues and wrote letters to the communities stressing responsible actions.
The second session featured Wisimliu Newmai, founder of Vin Klein’s, who shared how witnessing the growing piles of waste at a dumpsite outside Dimapur, including discarded textiles, inspired her to explore upcycling and build her own brand. During her session, she demonstrated to the students how old, unused clothes can be transformed into wearable accessories, showing students how creativity can give discarded materials a second life.
The workshop concluded with reflections and discussions, encouraging students to think critically about their consumption habits and the role they can play in creating more sustainable communities.
