Clean Yard — Green City: Contribution of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Students to a Sustainable Future

On March 28, 2026, the Department of Thermal Physics and Technical Physics at the Faculty of Physics and Technology of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted a large-scale environmental event titled "Clean Yard — Green City." The event was organized with the active support of Aliya Salmenova and Aigul Muslimova, coordinators of the well-known environmental movement Recycle.birge, in close partnership with the "Taza Tau" public campaign.

This initiative is a fundamental component of the university's global strategy to achieve the SDGs. The project directly addresses key areas such as sustainable cities and communities, as well as responsible consumption and production. During the event, students did more than just clean the territory; they applied the principles of modern sustainable development policies in a practical setting. This demonstrated how proactive environmental protection and effective waste management can transform ordinary litter into a valuable industrial resource, essential for an innovation-driven economy.

A significant focus of the campaign was placed on educational outreach. Students learned about the critical importance of a circular economy, where every discarded item can become raw material for a new product. This approach fosters a new environmental mindset, which is vital for building a harmonious society and minimizing human impact on our region's biosphere. Future scientists engaged in discussions about how local youth efforts could be scaled up to national-level nature conservation programs. Such intellectual engagement allows students to see the direct connection between their daily actions and global ecological health, reinforcing their role as future leaders in sustainability.

During the event, participants implemented a professional waste sorting system, achieving impressive results that reflect the high environmental responsibility of today's youth:

• Glass — 77 kg: Returning this material to a closed loop significantly reduces energy consumption during the production of new goods, which is vital for preserving natural resources.

• Plastic — 53 kg: Collecting polymers was a significant step in the fight against plastic pollution, carried out as part of the university-wide sustainability policy and urban environment protection strategy.

• Aluminum cans — 38 kg: This type of raw material is highly efficient for recycling, as the process drastically minimizes the carbon footprint.

For future specialists in thermal physics and technical physics, such activities carry deep professional significance. A thorough understanding of material life cycles and modern recycling technologies is closely linked to energy efficiency issues and the implementation of eco-innovations. Participating in these projects allows future physicists to evaluate the energy costs of disposing of various waste fractions, an integral part of their technical and scientific training.

Recycle.birge coordinators Aliya Salmenova and Aigul Muslimova provided participants with detailed instructions, emphasizing that the concept of mindful and conscious consumption is the primary key to addressing modern global climate challenges. This event marked another vital step toward creating an ecologically clean city where scientific knowledge serves the well-being of both nature and humanity. Al-Farabi Kazakh National University continues to actively support student initiatives, confirming its status as a leading center of knowledge and sustainable practices in the Central Asian region. By fostering these values, the university ensures that its graduates are not only technically proficient but also socially and ecologically responsible citizens of the world. Furthermore, such events promote cross-border collaboration by adopting international best practices in waste management and sustainability.