‘A run that grows forests’: Doko Recyclers’s eco-run links environment, fitness and corporate action

On the occasion of World Environment Day, Doko Recyclers—a social venture into waste segregation and recycling concluded their first day of ‘Run for the Environment 2025’ event on June 5, which was conducted with a theme of ‘a run that grows forests’. 

The 5-kilometre eco-run started from Le Sherpa, Maharajgunj in the early hours of the day from 6 am and concluded at the same destination as the finishing line at 8 am. The organisers will conduct the run every Wednesday throughout the month of June and conduct tree plantation programmes in July.        

The Doko Recyclers operate under a vision of supporting the green economy and preserving natural resources. Back in 2017, when the Kathmandu valley choked in pollution, three friends came up with the idea of starting Doko Recyclers, realising poor recycling standards in the country. The enterprise promotes smart sustainability, prioritising the circular economy of reduce, reuse and recycle. They have their waste recycling facility at Sanothimi, Bhaktapur.

This year, Environment Day is themed ‘#BeatPlasticPollution’. Across the country, the occasion is celebrated annually with various awareness and education programmes, rallies, and campaigns. Coinciding with the theme, the new fiscal year has banned the production and use of plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, effective from Mid-November.

Doko Recyclers’ Run for the Environment reflects a similar step towards environmental welfare, connecting to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

Raghavendra Mahato, co-founder of Doko Recyclers, explained that while activities like running are common on this occasion, their event stands out, connecting health-conscious individuals with environmental action. Mahato emphasised the awareness and mindfulness of fitness-concerned people over broader issues, such as environmental protection. The goal, he shared, is to inspire many people to take small, consistent steps for the environment.

Rashie Agrawal, the event coordinator, highlighted that the event is not only a mere run but also a corporate participation in afforestation. A total of about 17 corporate teams participated in the run, she mentioned. For every five participants, Doko will plant one high-impact native tree, and the number of trees to be planted will be directly defined by each run.

In view of fostering a sense of shared responsibility among the companies, the venture made sure of each runner’s involvement as a concrete contribution towards environmental restoration. They plan to conduct the tree plantation in an area near Sanothimi, which is currently in ruins due to a landslide.         

Tyler McMahon, co-founder of Smart Paani, a rainwater harvesting solutions-based company, expressed the run as a rewarding experience. Commenting on Doco Recycler’s joint focus on physical activity and going green, he reflected its alignment with Smart Paani’s sustainability approaches. He mentioned the importance of practical activities as such, facilitating lasting and meaningful efforts on broader environmental goals.

Likewise, Sauhard Bajracharya, manager at Hotel Barahi, emphasised the venture’s efforts to support businesses in waste segregation and help them adopt more eco-friendly practices. He noted that events like this can create tangible impact and help set new benchmarks for sustainable waste management and lowering the environmental footprint within the country’s hospitality sector.  

The event was organised in collaboration with Meltdown Nepal—a dynamic fitness community, with official partners as ePharmacy, Storia, and Karara Kitchen. Members from teams such as Infinity, Tearfund, Himalayan Java, Artha Run Club, and other additional teams participated in the event.