In the heart of Pune, where discarded paper often ends up in landfills, one woman is proving that waste can be turned into opportunity. Pritu Chaudhary, through her initiative Little Leaf, has recycled more than 100,000 kilograms of used paper into notebooks for children who cannot afford them — giving both the environment and education a new lease of life.
Turning Trash Into Tools of Learning
The idea was simple but radical: collect waste paper from homes, offices, and schools, and repurpose it into notebooks. What started as a small experiment has now reached thousands of children. Each notebook is not just recycled material but a passport to learning — ensuring that lack of basic stationery does not push a child out of the classroom.
Sustainability Meets Social Change
For Chaudhary, the work is as much about people as it is about the planet. “Every notebook we create helps reduce waste and gives a child the dignity of education,” she says. By linking sustainability with social equity, Little Leaf has become a quiet revolution in Pune — showing how environmental responsibility can directly uplift communities.
A Blueprint for Indian Cities
The sheer volume of waste diverted — 100,000 kilograms — highlights the untapped potential of recycling. Experts believe that if replicated, Chaudhary’s model could transform waste management in India’s cities, where resource scarcity and environmental challenges often collide. Her notebooks are more than stationery; they are symbols of resilience, hope, and the power of grassroots innovation.
