Leila Jayshree

A pioneering Indian environmental activist who revolutionized waste management through community-led initiatives

Leila Jayshree (born 1985) emerged as a transformative figure in India's environmental movement through her groundbreaking work in urban waste management. Starting in 2003, she developed the 'Zero Waste Villages' program in Tamil Nadu that reduced landfill dependency by 78% through decentralized composting systems. Her innovative approach integrated traditional wisdom with modern technology, creating replicable models adopted across 15 countries. Leila's 2015 TED Talk The Waste Workers Revolution has over 3.2 million views, inspiring global movements. She co-founded the Waste Pioneers Network, a platform connecting 500+ grassroots groups, and authored the influential Urban Waste Reimagined. Her advocacy led to India's 2016 Plastic Waste Management Rules and inspired similar policies in Kenya and Brazil. Notable collaborations include the UN Habitat's 'Circular Cities' initiative and MIT's urban sustainability research partnership.