“Refusing is a form of activism.”

Sonal is an environmental scientist and researcher focused on bridging the gap between science, grassroots action, and policy. At TERI, she works on sustainability and conservation projects while also promoting environmental education and youth engagement.

Her work spans critical areas such as sustainability, climate change, wildlife conservation and environmental education, aiming to bridge science, policy, and grassroots action for a more sustainable future. She holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Botany.

As one of the 25 youth leaders who joined HR/VP Kaja Kallas in Brussels for the first Youth Policy Dialogue with EU leaders, she brings a global perspective to local change. For Sonal, circular living is both deeply practical and political – a way to push back against wasteful systems and build something better.

🔁 Sonal’s circular lifestyle checklist

• Refuse: Say no to fast fashion, single-use plastics, and products made with synthetic dyes or harmful chemicals. Avoid things that are designed to be disposable.
• Rethink: Do I really need this? What values am I supporting when I buy something? Shift your mindset from consumerism to conscious living.
• Reduce: Prioritise quality over quantity – and cut packaging.
• Reuse: Give things a second life. Organise or join clothing swaps, rent instead of buying when possible, and explore resale platforms for fashion, books, and tech gadgets.
• Repair: Learn basic repair skills or participate in community repair events. Fixing things—be it electronics, clothes, or furniture—saves money, resources, and keeps items out of landfills.
• Digital minimalism: Be conscious of your digital consumption too. Extend the life of electronic devices by repairing or refurbishing instead of replacing. Delete unused files and apps to reduce energy usage and support digital sustainability.
• Support circular brands: choose brands and services that prioritise circular business models—those that take back products, use recycled materials, or offer repair and rental options
• Get involved: Get involved in local initiatives—like community composting, repair cafés, or zero-waste groups. Participate in public consultations. Voting, activism, and raising awareness all contribute to systemic change

Sonal is part of the”#OurVoiceOurFuture” community, a global network of young changemakers and content creators, ensuring that EU policies are inclusive, relevant, and aligned with the aspirations of the younger generation.

The community of #OurVoiceOurFuture young allies collaborate on shared principles and interests, contributing their voices to crucial areas such as defending Human Rights, security, peacebuilding, and global and climate diplomacy.