Here are some astonishing numbers that demand immediate attention:
- According to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), India produces over 60 million metric tons of municipal solid waste each year.
- India generates around 9.46 million metric tons of plastic waste annually.
- Recycling one ton of plastic saves up to 2,000 gallons of gasoline in energy.
- India wastes around 68.7 million tons of food annually, which is equivalent to approximately 52 kgs per person annually, valued at nearly Rs. 92,000 crore (approx. $12.3 billion).
- Landfills in India contribute to about 20% of total methane discharges, a potent greenhouse gas, which further impacts global warming and other harmful phenomena.
Now here is what impact recycling can have on the environment, and on human beings:
- According to a report by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, adopting a circular economy approach in India could generate economic benefits worth Rs. 14 lakh crore (approx. $218 billion) by the end of the year 2030, which is expected to reach a staggering $620 billion by 2050.
- India is expected to create 1.5 million jobs in the recycling industry within the next 10 years, says a leading NGO head.
- E-waste recycling units in India have a combined processing capacity of around 4.3 lakh metric tons per annum.
- As per a report by TERI, India's paper recycling rate is approximately 27%, and that for plastic is 60%, which has the potential to increase significantly.
The Rising Pile of Garbage: A Call to Action for Waste Warriors
As the heaps of waste items continue to grow bigger and bigger, the need for sustainable waste management strategies has become more pressing than ever. Waste Warriors understand that the solution doesn't lie in just cleaning up our own mess, but in transforming waste into a resource that can be of good use to others. At Give, we have a big team of NGOs that tirelessly work to raise awareness, educate communities, and collaborate with stakeholders to change perceptions about waste - all of which echo the very need of the hour.
NGOs are the architects of change, who can literally transform the face of the earth with their hard work and dedication. Here is how NGOs can contribute towards a cleaner and greener environment, by reducing; reusing, and recycling the waste that we keep filling our lands with -
- Awareness Workshops and Programs: Many NGOs conduct educational workshops and programs in schools, colleges, and other community centers to increase awareness about recycling practices, wet and dry waste segregation, and the environmental impact of wrong waste disposal. They also conduct practical workshops on recycling, teaching participants how to create useful items from waste materials, thereby showcasing the potential of upcycling. These upcycled materials are also sold online and in shops.
- Interactive Campaigns: NGOs use creative and interactive campaigns, both online and offline, to engage the public. The activities in the campaigns may include games, quizzes, and contests that make participants more aware of recycling. They organize clean-up drives in localities, lakes, beaches, and public spaces to visually demonstrate the impact of waste accumulation and communicate the importance of responsible waste management. They host events and celebrations focused on recycling and waste management to draw attention to the cause and emphasize the positive impact of recycling.
- Waste Collection and Segregation Initiatives: NGOs actively engaged in waste collection and segregation activities, partnering with communities to promote the practice of separating recyclable materials from general waste. NGOs also collaborate with industries, local businesses, and individuals to promote sustainable packaging, responsible waste disposal, and other eco-friendly practices to promote upcycling of waste.
- Resource Development: As an effort to promote the recycling of waste, NGOs prepare educational materials like brochures, artworks, media, and other kinds of interesting and engaging content that explain recycling concepts, the detailed process of waste management, and its environmental benefits. NGOs create waste warriors and recycling heroes by empowering local communities by providing them with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage their waste through sustainable practices.
- Partnering with Academic Institutions: Many NGOs collaborate with schools and colleges to integrate recycling into their curricula, encouraging the next generation to adopt responsible waste management practices. They often conduct research on waste generation, recycling rates, and the environmental impact of waste to inform their advocacy efforts and incorporate their studies with the syllabuses so that the next generation benefits from the knowledge too.
Inspirational Heroes: Remarkable NGOs in the Recycling Realm:
NGOs are undoubtedly the agents of change - the catalysts that turn aspirations into actions. Through their multidimensional hard work, they challenge various aspects of waste management - from collection of waste, to disposal, to recycling and to repurposing and upcycling of waste. These NGOs not only work towards creating a cleaner environment but also provide employment opportunities, empower ostracised sections of society, and promote sustainable practices.
- Goonj: Goonj, a New Delhi-based NGO, transforms the concept of recycling by addressing pressing needs through discarded resources. They channel used clothing and materials from urban areas, converting them into useful products and distributing to communities in need - the perfect example of turning waste materials into valuable assets. This approach not only provides people with materials they may need for their everyday living but also empowers marginalized communities through skill-building initiatives.
- GreenCiti (Reach Out India Foundation): The Mumbai-based waste warrior named GreenCiti takes a comprehensive approach to waste management, focusing on reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials. They work on innovative and eco-friendly ways of disposing off waste, and tackle many different waste streams. They contribute to a holistic understanding of sustainable waste management while empowering communities through awareness campaigns and initiatives.
- Greensole: This recycling hero, Mumbai's Greensole's has a unique endeavour, which involves repurposing waste footwear to create new pairs of stylish and sturdy footwear for those in need. This innovative initiative not only contributes to waste reduction and upcycling of waste but also addresses the essential requirement of footwear among marginalized communities.
- Recycle India Foundation: Recycle India Foundation from Kolkata focuses on serious and pressing issues such as climate change, pollution, and global warming, by challenging the very basic of all issues - waste management. They spread awareness among the general public through education, targeting schools, colleges, and communities. By instilling responsible waste disposal practices in the younger generation, they foster a culture of sustainability and waste reduction.
- Saahas Zero Waste: Bangalore's Saahas Zero Waste warriors source segregation and circular economy principles to tackle the issue of waste management. They provide end-to-end waste management solutions to societies, commercial entities and institutions, promoting a sustainable model that reduces waste generation and emphasizes responsible disposal.
- Renew IT: Bangalore's Renew IT addresses the mounting issue of electronic waste by refurbishing and repurposing discarded electronic equipment. They distribute these refurbished electronic products such as computers and laptops among poor students who need them the most. Their efforts not only divert e-waste from landfills but also ensure data security and responsible electronic waste management.
- Flycatcher Technologies: Flycatcher Technologies, a Vadodara-based waste warrior, contributes to e-waste management through innovative solutions. They have developed equipment that converts waste from households into biogas and fertilizers for plants. This is a perfect example of waste management, and also a great way of making our environment cleaner and greener through safe and pollution-free methods.
Give salutes to the determination of waste warriors, as their efforts resonate far beyond the physical act of recycling. They reshape mindsets, drive sustainable innovation, and create a legacy of conscious consumption. By turning waste into opportunities, they forge a path toward a cleaner and greener future, where waste is not a burden but a stepping stone to positive change in society.
Let's join hands to celebrate the relentless dedication of these waste warriors, towards making the world a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable place for generations to come.
