Launched on 10 November and dedicated to the World
Recycling Day on 15 November, the EcoChallenge of the School of Natural
Sciences at Astana International University has come to its conclusion. The
results of this environmental initiative aimed at fostering ecological culture
were announced on 28 November.
The EcoChallenge is an important component of the
Restart project implemented within the memorandum between the G-Global Green
Economy and Development Coalition and Astana International University.
Restart Project: phased development and enhancement of
environmental literacy
The Restart project, aimed at building a culture of
proper waste management among university students, is being implemented in
several stages.
🔹 Since 2024, AIU students have
actively used Sparklo reverse vending machines to submit plastic waste and
engage in accessible recycling practices.
🔹 In 2025, the project’s
infrastructure expanded with new plastic waste collection channels: Freedom
vending machines and LS Astana — a secondary raw materials collection and
processing center.
LS Astana is an eco-center that receives, sorts, and
sends solid household waste to recycling facilities. Students’ active use of
this center indicates a rising level of environmental awareness.
EcoChallenge Results
The challenge recorded the following indicators:
• more than 50 video submissions;
• 500 students actively participated;
• 500 kg of plastic waste were sent for recycling.
These indicators reflect strong student engagement in
sustainable development initiatives.
Winners
🥇 1st place — EiP 25A group
🥈 2nd place — IYa 24-3 group
🥉 3rd place — Chemistry 24A group
The EcoChallenge contributed to the following UN
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 11 — Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 — Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 — Climate Action, SDG 17 — Partnerships for the Goals
Held from 10 to 28 November and dedicated to the World
Recycling Day, the EcoChallenge helped enhance AIU students’ environmental
responsibility and strengthen the recycling culture. The Restart project and
cooperation with the G-Global Green Economy and Development Coalition represent
an important step toward sustainable development at the university.
AIU will continue to support environmental initiatives
and advance work toward the SDGs.
Organizers: Aidanа Kydyrova, Ayman Karabalayeva