The Times of India 13.11.2009
Waste is not waste until wasted
PUNE: Charity begins at home. So does waste generation. So, how about trying to tackle the issues of waste management at its source. It's time for everyone of us in the city to do our bit for solid waste management, says Pushpam Pune', a project on solid waste management being taken up in the city.
The project, which will involve various communities and institutions in the city, such as temples, hospitals, schools and colleges, housing societies and so on, in an attempt to stop or minimise generating waste at the source itself, has been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Panipat.
In the city, this people's participation initiative has been taken by city-based NGO Green Energy Foundation, and Exnora, a Chennai-based NGO.
Sharmila Oswal, president, Green Energy Foundation, told TOI that the project is based on energy saving. The entire community will be involved in this project. There will be a formation of network of each segments in order to educate them, share expertise and thus help each other.
Oswal said there is a need to bridge the gap between municipality and the public. The project will be based on social capitalisation. "We will assist people to help themselves," she said.
There will be training given by the foundation at the individual level and also for people who would like to take it up as a commercial venture. The target group includes women and children.
The foundation will go to schools and colleges and involve students in the project work. They will have to undergo internship. The students will receive certificates and green star awards for their project work.
At the housing society level, one will be trained on how to reduce generation of waste, segregate it at source, make pits and composting and grow organic vegetables. "In fact, it would help in saving energy. We want housewives to sort out the waste in the house itself. Segregation of dry and wet waste and composting can be done at the terrace," said Oswal.
For dissemination of information, a database of products, technology, individuals and self-help groups will also be formed. The foundation will provide the know-how and technology as part of social initiative for the people to lead a eco-friendly lifestyle.
M B Nirmal, founder, Exnora, an NGO committed to community service, civic involvement and environment, said the model has been successful in South India and able to solve the garbage problem to a great extent. The project taken up in Pune will aim at making the city cleaner. "Waste is not waste until wasted. It is no longer solid waste management but resource management, " he said.
At present, housing societies of Bibvewadi, Kothrud, Vishranthwadi and Hadapsar have approached the foundation for the training. Schools and colleges, individuals and self-help groups can contact the foundation at 94204 82083 or log onto http://www.greenenergymission.org/
The project, which will involve various communities and institutions in the city, such as temples, hospitals, schools and colleges, housing societies and so on, in an attempt to stop or minimise generating waste at the source itself, has been successfully implemented in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Panipat.
In the city, this people's participation initiative has been taken by city-based NGO Green Energy Foundation, and Exnora, a Chennai-based NGO.
Sharmila Oswal, president, Green Energy Foundation, told TOI that the project is based on energy saving. The entire community will be involved in this project. There will be a formation of network of each segments in order to educate them, share expertise and thus help each other.
Oswal said there is a need to bridge the gap between municipality and the public. The project will be based on social capitalisation. "We will assist people to help themselves," she said.
There will be training given by the foundation at the individual level and also for people who would like to take it up as a commercial venture. The target group includes women and children.
The foundation will go to schools and colleges and involve students in the project work. They will have to undergo internship. The students will receive certificates and green star awards for their project work.
At the housing society level, one will be trained on how to reduce generation of waste, segregate it at source, make pits and composting and grow organic vegetables. "In fact, it would help in saving energy. We want housewives to sort out the waste in the house itself. Segregation of dry and wet waste and composting can be done at the terrace," said Oswal.
For dissemination of information, a database of products, technology, individuals and self-help groups will also be formed. The foundation will provide the know-how and technology as part of social initiative for the people to lead a eco-friendly lifestyle.
M B Nirmal, founder, Exnora, an NGO committed to community service, civic involvement and environment, said the model has been successful in South India and able to solve the garbage problem to a great extent. The project taken up in Pune will aim at making the city cleaner. "Waste is not waste until wasted. It is no longer solid waste management but resource management, " he said.
At present, housing societies of Bibvewadi, Kothrud, Vishranthwadi and Hadapsar have approached the foundation for the training. Schools and colleges, individuals and self-help groups can contact the foundation at 94204 82083 or log onto http://www.greenenergymission.org/
