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THE BAJA POST
NEWSROOM
SOURCE: PR NEWSMEDIA
In India, half the waste produced by households is wet waste, often destined for landfills where it contributes to environmental degradation. Similarly, vast quantities of floral offerings from places of worship end up polluting water bodies and posing health risks. However, these under-utilised resources hold tremendous potential.
The Art of Living, under guidance from the world renowned spiritual leader and humanitarian, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is tapping into this potential to foster a cleaner and healthier environment.
Holistic Approach to Waste Management
The Art of Living has initiated a revolutionary change by setting up waste separation facilities and management plants at major places of worship and urban centres across India.
Beyond waste management, this initiative promotes economic independence among community members. Unemployed youth are trained in the operation and maintenance of waste management machinery, enabling them to become environmental entrepreneurs.
Comprehensive Strategy
The organisation’s strategy begins with a comprehensive assessment of the required facilities, considering factors such as the volume of solid waste generated, including peak demands. Following agreements with the place of worship authorities or the city’s municipal corporation, the project’s capital funding is secured. The civil infrastructure for the composting unit is built and waste collection and segregation facilities are established. Training is provided to staff for machinery operation and maintenance.
Implementation Steps
- Waste Collection and Segregation: Collected waste is brought to the site and undergoes a rigorous segregation process.
- Composting of Floral/Wet Waste: The floral and wet waste is processed in the composting unit.
- Marketing Organic Compost: The resulting organic compost is made available for sale.
- Sustainable Project Funding: The proceeds from compost sales contribute to the project’s sustainability.
Impact
- 42,00,000+ kg of waste processed annually across India
- 3,60,000+ Biodegradable spoons and plates produced from areca nut leaves
- 67,000+ Students involved in waste conversion into bio-manure across 17 states in India
- 44,000+ Cleanliness drives conducted
- 1,000+ Waste pickers trained in waste segregation across 15 states in India
- 18 Composting plants installed in large temples and urban cities across India
- 5 Municipal waste management projects active in Chennai and Delhi.
- 4 Composting plants setup in New Delhi under New Delhi Municipal Council
- 1,000 kg/day Composting capacity in Delhi
- 500 kg/day Composting capacity in Chennai
- 5,12,000 kg of garbage removed during the Clean Yamuna campaign.
- 43,980 Cleanliness drives conducted successfully
