Sustainable Future Initiatives: Diya Loka's E-Cycl Takes on E-Waste

At just 17 years old, Diya Loka, a 12th-grade student at CHIREC International School in Hyderabad, is making waves as a passionate environmentalist and visionary leader. As the founder of E-Cycl, an initiative dedicated to combating the global crisis of electronic waste (e-waste), she has made a significant impact on her community and beyond. Her tireless efforts have earned her the prestigious Diana Award 2024, a globally recognized honor celebrating young individuals for their exceptional humanitarian work and social action.

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How E-Cycl Began: Diya’s Journey at 14

Diya’s commitment to environmental sustainability began at the age of 14 during a summer break. While walking through the streets of Hyderabad, she noticed the alarming amount of improperly discarded e-waste—ranging from broken gadgets to obsolete devices. This growing menace not only polluted landfills and water bodies but also endangered sanitation workers, many of whom were children exposed to toxic substances like mercury and arsenic.

Determined to make a difference, Diya teamed up with her friend Sahithi to launch E-Cycl, a student-led initiative focused on raising awareness, organizing e-waste collection drives, and promoting safe disposal practices. What started as local campaigns and school workshops quickly gained momentum, driven by Diya’s passion and commitment.

E-Cycl’s Impact: Local Roots, Global Reach

In just three years, E-Cycl has grown from a local initiative to a global movement. Under Diya’s leadership, the organization has achieved impressive milestones:

• 10,000 kilograms of e-waste collected through extensive drives in Hyderabad and other cities.
• 5,000+ individuals mentored, empowering people to become changemakers in their own communities.
• An international network of 150 volunteers from over 10 countries, amplifying E-Cycl’s mission globally.

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The initiative’s success lies in its accessibility and scalability. By placing collection bins in residential and institutional areas, E-Cycl has made safe e-waste disposal convenient for everyone. Additionally, the initiative highlights the challenges faced by sanitation workers, advocating for their rights and better working conditions.

Recognition and Partnerships: A Global Stage for E-Cycl

Diya’s dedication has garnered widespread recognition. The Diana Award 2024 is one of many accolades celebrating her environmental advocacy. She has also received support from prominent organizations such as Meta, The Wall Street Journal, and UNEP.

Key Achievements:

• Collaborating with institutions like IIIT Hyderabad and Recykal to advance environmental sustainability and digital marketing efforts.
• Representing E-Cycl at the Guggenheim Museum in New York City as part of the Young Climate Prize, sponsored by Meta Open Arts.
• Speaking at global platforms such as UNESCO’s World Futures Day, where she inspired audiences with her vision for climate action.

Empowering Communities and Inspiring Change

For Diya, E-Cycl is more than an environmental initiative—it’s a mission to empower communities. A key focus of her work is ensuring children are kept out of hazardous e-waste labor. By refurbishing discarded devices and donating them to underprivileged students in government schools, E-Cycl bridges the digital divide and promotes equitable access to education.

Beyond e-waste, Diya has expanded her sustainability efforts to include sustainable fashion and recycling other types of waste. As the Environmental Committee Head in her school’s student council, she continues to inspire peers to adopt eco-friendly practices and reduce their carbon footprints.

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Educating the Next Generation

Diya’s ability to connect with audiences makes her a gifted speaker and mentor. She has conducted awareness sessions for over 3,000 students across institutions, including Pallavi International School and St. Mary’s College. Her inspiring sessions have mobilized large-scale volunteer efforts, making E-Cycl a truly youth-driven movement.

“Change begins with one person at a time,” says Diya. “The Diana Award isn’t just a recognition—it’s a call to action. Together, we can amplify our efforts to combat the climate crisis and create a sustainable future.”

A Young Vision for a Sustainable Future

Diya envisions E-Cycl as a global force advocating for sustainability and environmental justice. Her ultimate goal is to create a world where waste management is efficient, sanitation workers are respected, and technology benefits all communities. From reducing her school’s carbon footprint to inspiring global audiences, Diya’s vision knows no bounds.

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Her journey is a testament to the power of youthful determination and a reminder that age is no barrier to making a significant impact. Diya Loka’s story inspires young people worldwide to take action and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Disclaimer: This feature is based on a press release and information provided by the PR. All facts and details have been taken in good faith. TICE cannot independently verify or vouch for the accuracy of the information shared.