Earth5R: Pioneering a Global Movement for Sustainability and Climate Action

In an age where environmental issues are posing significant threats to ecosystems and communities, Earth5R is making a substantial difference by leading sustainability efforts and fostering collective action on a global scale.

As India’s largest environmental organization, Earth5R has mo

bilized 1.3 million citizens across 65 countries, driving measurable climate action through a unique blend of grassroots initiatives and cutting-edge technology. Earth5R is recognized by UNESCO and a UNESCO Green Citizen. Earth5R works with a large pool of environmental NGOs.

It has a transformative ecosystem that unites diverse communities, execution partners, and organizations to tackle pressing issues like waste management, river cleaning, and slum rehabilitation while fostering a circular economy and sustainable livelihoods.

At the heart of Earth5R’s mission is a bold vision: to activate two billion people in the climate economy by 2030.

By leveraging technology and community-driven efforts, Earth5R is unlocking market potential and paving the way for large-scale sustainable growth. From the bustling slums of Dharavi in Mumbai to the polluted banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi, Earth5R’s impact is felt across India’s urban and rural landscapes, making it a leader in environmental action and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

 

The Genesis of Earth5R: A Journey of Resilience and Purpose

The story of Earth5R begins with its founder, Saurabh Gupta, a man whose personal journey mirrors the organization’s ethos of determination and change.

In a bold move, Saurabh Gupta left his corporate job at Cafe Coffee Day India to embark on a life-altering adventure: cycling around the globe. Over two years, he pedaled 50,000 kilometers—more than the Earth’s circumference—through Asia, Africa, and Europe. What he encountered along the way was both inspiring and disheartening: breathtaking natural beauty marred by widespread environmental destruction and apathy.

This experience ignited a fire within Saurabh. He returned with a singular purpose—to create an organization that could combat environmental degradation and inspire collective action.

Thus, Earth5R was born, rooted in resilience and a commitment to transforming the planet, one community at a time. Saurabh’s efforts have since earned him global recognition, including the prestigious Young Leader India-France Award from French President Emmanuel Macron, who commended his leadership in environmental innovation.

 

SaaS-X: Revolutionizing Sustainability with Plug-and-Play Solutions

Central to Earth5R’s success is its proprietary platform, SaaS-X: Sustainability as a Service – eXchange. This real-time sustainability infrastructure is a game-changer, offering a suite of plug-and-play solutions that make environmental action accessible, scalable, and transparent. Whether it’s organizing river cleanups along the Mithi River in Mumbai or implementing waste-to-resource systems in Bangalore, SaaS-X empowers communities, businesses, and governments to co-create impactful projects with ease.

SaaS-X is backed by real-time data tracking, stakeholder toolkits, and blockchain-verified reporting, ensuring that every initiative—from plastic recycling in Pune to climate education in Hyderabad—is outcome-driven and verifiable.

The platform supports a regenerative, ecosystem-based model that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, making it an invaluable tool for organizations looking to enhance their CSR programs. For businesses in cities like Gurgaon and Chennai, SaaS-X provides a seamless way to measure ESG KPIs, track sustainability outcomes, and implement meaningful climate action.

From cleanup drives at Powai Lake to circular economy programs in Kolkata, SaaS-X is redefining how sustainability is approached. It’s not just a tool—it’s a movement, enabling stakeholders to operate efficiently and scale their impact transparently.

As Earth5R continues to expand, SaaS-X remains the go-to infrastructure for anyone committed to building a greener future.

The Earth5R App: Empowering Volunteers and Driving Engagement

Complementing SaaS-X is the Earth5R App, a powerful tool that brings environmental action to the fingertips of volunteers and communities worldwide. Available to users in cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and beyond, the app serves as a hub for volunteering opportunities, project updates, and real-time impact tracking.

With over 80,000 impact stories documented on the platform, the Earth5R App showcases the power of collective action—whether it’s joining a cleanup drive along the Mula Mutha River in Pune or raising awareness about plastic waste in slums.

The Earth5R App also fosters employee engagement, offering companies a way to involve their workforce in sustainability efforts. From stress management workshops tied to environmental volunteering to hands-on projects that make workplaces “Great Places to Work,” the app bridges the gap between corporate goals and community impact.

It’s an important example of Earth5R’s holistic approach—sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about people, livelihoods, and well-being.

Earth5R’s Work and Impact: Transforming Communities Across India

Earth5R’s footprint spans India’s most vibrant cities—Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Lucknow—where it tackles some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

River cleaning is a cornerstone of its work, with initiatives along the Mithi River, Mula Mutha River, and Yamuna River addressing water pollution head-on. Concurrent with its river cleaning efforts, Earth5R has made significant strides in waste management and recycling, particularly in urban centers where plastic pollution is rampant. In Mumbai, the organization has spearheaded cleanup drives in areas like Powai Lake and the sprawling slums of Dharavi, turning waste into resources and creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

By promoting a circular economy, Earth5R ensures that materials like plastic are reused rather than discarded, reducing environmental harm and boosting economic opportunities.

Slum rehabilitation is another key focus. In Dharavi, one of Asia’s largest informal settlements, Earth5R has worked tirelessly to improve living conditions through waste management, awareness campaigns, and skill-building programs.

These efforts not only clean up the environment but also empower residents with the tools to sustain themselves, aligning with Earth5R’s mission to integrate environmental action with social impact.

Beyond urban areas, Earth5R’s influence extends to rural communities, where it conducts climate education and tree-planting initiatives.

In cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, the organization collaborates with local NGOs and businesses to implement ESG-focused projects, from recycling drives to sustainable agriculture programs.

Meanwhile, in Delhi, cleanup efforts along the Yamuna River have drawn attention to the urgent need for water conservation, inspiring both volunteers and policymakers to act.

Key Impact Highlights

8.2 million+ global volunteering hours dedicated to environmental causes.

1.3 million citizens mobilized across 65 countries for climate action.

954,000+ tons of CO2 offset through various sustainability initiatives.

87,000+ plantations across the subcontinent, contributing to carbon sequestration.

813+ hectares of urban plantation to combat urban heat and pollution.

19,800+ tons of CO2 sequestered, aiding in climate change mitigation.

80,000+ impact stories documented on the Earth5R App, showcasing real change.

68,000 environmentalists leading community programs, fostering grassroots leadership.

A Global Ecosystem of Change

Earth5R’s recognition by UNESCO underscores its status as a global leader in environmental action. With operations spanning 65 countries, the organization has built a diverse network of partners, from grassroots activists to multinational corporations.

This ecosystem approach allows Earth5R to address interconnected challenges—climate change, waste, poverty, and inequality—through collaborative, scalable solutions.

One of Earth5R’s standout achievements is its ability to engage volunteers on a massive scale. Whether it’s students in Chennai organizing awareness campaigns or corporate employees in Gurgaon participating in river cleanups, volunteering is at the core of Earth5R’s model.

These efforts not only drive tangible outcomes—like cleaner rivers and reduced plastic waste—but also cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility among participants.

For businesses, Earth5R offers a unique value proposition. Through CSR partnerships, companies can align their goals with impactful sustainability projects, enhancing their reputation while contributing to the planet.

In Pune, for example, Earth5R has worked with tech firms to integrate ESG principles into their operations, while in Kolkata, it has supported circular economy initiatives that turn waste into viable products.

Scale and Reach:

Operates in 65 countries, making it one of the world’s leading environmental action ecosystems.

Partners with 500+ organizations, including NGOs, businesses, and government bodies.

Active in 9 major Indian cities: Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

Awards and Recognition: A Testament to Leadership

Earth5R’s impact has not gone unnoticed. In addition to its UNESCO recognition, the organization’s founder, Saurabh Gupta, received the Young Leader India-France Award from French President Emmanuel Macron.

This accolade highlights Gupta’s role in driving community-led environmental innovations on a global scale. It’s a fitting tribute to a man whose 50,000-kilometer journey laid the foundation for a movement that continues to grow.

Awards and Accolades:

UNESCO Recognition: Acknowledged for its global environmental impact.

Young Leader India-France Award: Presented to Saurabh Gupta by Emmanuel Macron for leadership in sustainability.

Featured in 50+ international forums: Highlighting Earth5R’s innovative approach to climate action.

The Road Ahead: Activating Two Billion People

Looking to the future, Earth5R is laser-focused on its ambitious goal: activating two billion people in the climate economy by 2030. This vision is grounded in the belief that sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but an economic opportunity. By combining grassroots action with advanced technology like SaaS-X and the Earth5R App, the organization is unlocking new markets and driving growth that benefits both people and the planet.

From the polluted waters of the Mithi River to the bustling streets of Dharavi, Earth5R is proving that change is possible—one cleanup, one recycled bottle, one empowered community- that’s how Earth5R’s app decentralises large-scale action.

Its work in river cleaning, waste management, slum rehabilitation, and climate education is setting a blueprint for others to follow, while its emphasis on ESG and CSR is redefining how businesses engage with sustainability.

Why Earth5R’s Sustainability Model Matters

In a world grappling with climate change and resource depletion, Earth5R offers a model of hope and action. It’s an organization that doesn’t just talk about sustainability—it delivers it, with measurable results and a scalable framework. For volunteers in Mumbai, employees in Bangalore, or policymakers in Delhi, Earth5R provides the tools and inspiration to make a difference.

As India’s largest environmental organisation, Earth5R is not just a local success story—it’s a global force. With its innovative platforms, diverse partnerships, and unwavering commitment, Earth5R is leading the charge toward a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.

Whether you’re a student looking to volunteer, a company seeking CSR opportunities, or a community eager to tackle waste and pollution, Earth5R invites you to join the movement. Together, we can transform the planet.