Public bathrooms are often synonymous with unpleasant experiences—wet floors, lingering odours, and an overall sense of discomfort. So much so that children at school often hesitate to go to the bathroom. For young students like Misba Shaikh, Aliya Patel, Sofiya Shaikh, Izna Malik, Alina Shaikh, Hussain Khan, and Suwaid Ahmed from PiKademy -After School Cohort (Cohort 2), this was more than just an inconvenience; it was a daily reality they were determined to change for their school and others.
Their journey to transform school bathrooms into fresh, welcoming spaces was not just an exercise in creativity, but a testament to the power of young minds solving real-world problems. The idea took root during a visit to the Grow Lab at MuSo, where the team learned about natural, sustainable ways to enhance their surroundings. When the problem was identified, they brainstormed together to arrive at the solution. Their minds went back to MuSo. Observing how plants could be used for purification and environmental balance, they wondered—could nature help combat the unpleasant state of their school’s bathrooms?
Instead of relying on chemical deodorisers or temporary cleaning measures, the team envisioned a living, breathing solution—clay planters filled with mint saplings, placed strategically around the commode. Their design was both simple and ingenious: mint plants, known for being hardy and easy to maintain, naturally emitted a fresh, clean scent to mask unpleasant odours. The porous nature of clay planters would help soak up excess water, reducing puddles and dampness in the space. Unlike artificial air fresheners, the plants required no chemicals and would continue to refresh the air over time. The project was aptly named ‘Green and Clean’.
The journey from idea to execution for this young group of innovators, was far from effortless. Crafting the clay planters proved to be a tough and time-consuming task, with small hands working tirelessly to mould, shape, and perfect each piece. Planting the mint saplings was only the first step; maintaining them required ongoing care and attention. ‘Low maintenance’ did not mean ‘no maintenance’, and the team soon realised that their green solution needed watering, trimming, and nurturing to thrive. Despite the challenges, the young innovators saw their vision come to life as they worked hard on the first version of Green and Clean.
The school bathrooms became fresher, more inviting spaces, transformed by the power of nature. Beyond just improving their immediate environment, they had created something deeply meaningful—a self-sustaining system that addressed a common problem in an eco-friendly way. The team was sure that this simple idea could also be scaled by others.
The Green and Clean initiative is more than just a project; it is a symbol of what children can achieve when given the space to think, create, and act. Their work serves as a reminder that sometimes, the simplest solutions—rooted in nature and nurtured with care—can have the most profound impact. With just a little curiosity, teamwork, and determination, these young minds have proven that change starts small—but grows beautifully.
This project was made possible with the support of Standard Chartered.
