Earth Day 2026: Here's how you can contribute to make Mumbai a better place

India shines bright in NASA’s recently released visualisation of night-time illumination over an eight-year period. PIC COURTESY/NASA

For better monsoons

Mumbai generates over 7000 tonnes of waste each day. A huge proportion of this is poorly segregated, reflecting a mindset that the city can no longer afford. Transitioning to a culture of responsible waste management should begin at home. Segregating waste at source and composting kitchen waste, either individually or at the housing society level, can significantly reduce the burden on the municipality.

Equally important is cutting down on single-use plastic, carrying reusable bags, and choosing products with minimal packaging. This shift is extremely critical, as poor waste handling not only leads to widespread dumping and air pollution but also contributes to contaminated groundwater, polluted sea, and clogged drains, exacerbating flooding during Mumbai's monsoons.

Dr Anish Andheria, president, Wildlife Conservation Trust

United, we stand

Every Mumbaikar, irrespective of whether they regularly recycle their waste, plant trees, and use sustainable materials, can help the larger cause of saving the planet. If you're dedicated to bringing change, find organisations and communities in your neighbourhood that work towards the cause.

For instance, if you're a lawyer, your know-how can help independent organisations legally take down illegal projects. Every Mumbaikar has a network, and you'd be surprised to know how much it can help us. The bottomline is, begin from home, but don't stop there.

Sanjiv Valsan, founder, Waghoba Habitat Foundation

Play your part

See and believe
Join this guided demonstration and walkthrough of specimens, animals, and habitats to understand how small changes can have a big impact for a greener Earth.
TIME 11.30 am
AT Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Natural History Section; also at Hornbill House, Bombay Natural History Society, Fort.
ENTRY Museum entry ticket costs apply

Pedal push

If you've been waiting for the right moment to go green, join this early morning community cycle ride. Gather your friends or ride solo to meet like-minded Mumbaikars at the finish line in Bandra West.
MEETING TIME 7.30 am (end of ride)
AT The Steps, Mount Mary's Basilica, Bandra West.

Hands on the buzzer
Think you know your planet? The Nehru Science Centre is ready to throw some curveballs at you at a unique walking quiz at their sprawling Worli venue.
TIME 12 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm
AT Nehru Science Centre, Worli.
ENTRY Centre entry ticket costs apply

Planet for all

Amid testing times, this newly formed trans- and queer-led community of nature enthusiasts is taking its first community action with a cleanup on Dadar beach.
ON April 26; 8 am
MEETING POINT Revealed on registration
LOG ON TO @thequeersforearthcollective