Eiman Jawwad from Lahore, Pakistan is the fourth finalist to be presented for the Children’s Climate Prize 2022

In November, the winner of the Children’s Climate Prize will be announced out of five finalists. One of them is Eiman Jawwad, 17 years old from Lahore, Pakistan. Eiman is doing impressive work by utilizing used up tea leaves and coffee as organic fertilizers. A smart local solution to a global problem that mitigates pollution and has a great impact on biodiversity.

To keep up with a growing population, adding fertilizers to help plants and crops grow has become increasingly vital, and chemical fertilizers have been the norm for decades. However, it is proven to be harmful for the environment as it contributes to greenhouse gasses, causes algae growth in waterways and disrupts soil balance. Organic fertilizers, on the other hand, are good for the environment and maintain a healthy soil. Eiman Jawwad from Lahore, Pakistan has realized that used tea leaves and coffee grounds could be used as a great source of organic fertilizers and in a country like Pakistan where tea and coffee consumption is high, there is great potential to make a difference. Impressed by her project, the jury of the Children’s Climate Prize has selected Eiman as one of this year’s finalists.

- It brings so much power and strength to my words and actions and hopes to be this year's finalist. Though quite overwhelming, it is definitely a great honor for me, says Eiman.

High consumption of tea and coffee results in tons of waste that often is condemned to the trash cans rather than being disposed of properly. Eiman has therefore started a movement in Pakistan, where the highly potent tea leaves and coffee grounds are collected and redistributed to the local nurseries. Apart from helping the plants grow, Eiman’s project reduces waste and helps reduce costs for the nurseries. Together with all the community engagement, Eiman has been able to collect more than 5 tons of organic fertilizers over three years, which has facilitated the growth of thousands of plants in the local nurseries and parks. Eiman has also visited over 20 different high schools to educate and engage the students.

- Winning the Children's Climate Prize would amplify my voice where it has a global impact which has always been a goal of mine, to be present where I am not and to be heard. I would definitely want to work on the scalability of my project with the prize money, using it in a way where I can increase my outreach, Eiman continues.

In November, the winner of the Children's Climate Prize 2022 will be announced, who will then receive a diploma, medal and prize money of SEK 100,000 to continue developing their project. Since 2020 it is the Children’s Climate Foundation that hands out the prize.

Organic Fertilizer - Utilizing used up tea leaves and coffee
Eiman Jawwad, 17 years old from Lahore, Pakistan

Jury motivation:
In a country like Pakistan where the tea and coffee consumption is very high, Eiman demonstrates a smart local solution to a global problem, which is also highly scalable to other parts of the world. In addition, Eiman is doing impressive work in engaging and making people in Pakistan aware of climate change. The need for ecological alternatives to existing fertilizers is great, and Eiman's solution is easy to implement, has a great impact on biodiversity, mitigates pollution and is economically viable. Sometimes simplicity is key, and Eiman’s idea can be a great inspiration to others globally.