Waste Management And Circular Economy: Sustainability Project In Sakinaka, Mumbai
An essential step towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is to combat the rapidly global climate and waste management crisis. Not only is it an important issue in itself, but it is also closely linked to various other global challenges such as sustainable communities and responsible production and consumption of goods.
An impactful aspect of combating climate change is waste management
Waste management is vital at all levels, from the individual household to larger, national management programs.
Earth5R volunteer explaining waste management to residents in Sakinaka slums, Mumbai
Mumbai, one of India’s most populous cities and a global powerhouse, contains almost 2000 slum settlements that often lack access to basic amenities such as a formal waste management system.
Waste management community training sessions conducted by Earth5R volunteers
EARTH5R’S SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY TRAINING PROGRAM
Earth5R’s sustainability program aims to find solutions to this problem by conducting community training that educates the lower strata of society on circular economy practices.
Earth5R volunteer teaching waste segregation through pictorial representations
This community training project employs a preventive strategy and attempts to reduce the amount of waste that is incorrectly disposed of before there is a need to remove it from the environment.
Earth5R volunteer explaining methods of waste management to people in Sakinaka region, Mumbai
Earth5R volunteers conduct waste segregation and composting training sessions for the local residents of slum regions of Mumbai. By using visual aids such as presentations and other interactive methods, Earth5R trains underprivileged communities in several aspects of solid waste management.
Earth5R volunteer doing training sessions on circular economy practices and waste management
WASTE MANAGEMENT TRAINING IN SAKINAKA REGION OF MUMBAI
The volunteers trained 45 families on waste management and disposal intending to create a more sustainable community
The training focuses on educating the local residents on the different kinds of waste and the correct disposal methods for each waste type.
Earth5R volunteers educate local slum residents on solid waste management and recycling techniques
People from slum areas of Sakinaka, Mumbai learning waste management from the Earth5R volunteer
It was also observed that most of the families disposed of plastic waste in nearby water bodies running through the locality, which severely pollutes them and may cause diseases. This was also addressed by volunteers during the session to educate the families and raise awareness regarding the harmful effects of wastes.
Waste segregation awareness for the circular economy in slum areas of Sakinaka, Mumbai
Some of the key highlights of these sessions are training in:
- Understanding the critical effects of incorrect waste disposal
- The impact of lack of waste management on the environment and public health
- Recycling of household waste
- Composting methods using household kitchen waste
- Sanitary wastes and their correct disposal methods
Inculcating such practices into the local resident’s daily lives can significantly reduce environmental pollution in this area and contribute to providing the locals with a means of earning a livelihood by reusing and recycling waste, thereby creating a circular economy.
Earth5R Volunteer explaining different types of wastes and their management techniques to the people from Sakinaka region, Mumbai
This impactful and effective project by Earth5R presents a solution to issues commonly faced by various slum dwellings. These Local community programs have a wide range of benefits, from social change to save the planet, and lead us one step closer to creating a sustainable future. They also motivate citizens to become active participants who are willing to work towards the common goal of protecting our environment.
ABOUT EARTH5R
Earth5R is an environmental organization from India with its head office in Mumbai. It works with the NGO sector, Companies and helps them conduct environmental Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs across India.
Earth5R specializes in circular economy based projects. Earth5R also offers short term and long term environmental courses and fellowships.
– Reported by Siya, edited by Sajitha Siril
