Zero waste? Is it possible? “Yes”, they say
India, ranked the 2nd most populated country in the world, has enormous waste generation. In par with, ‘charity begins at home’, the waste management in each house serves as the microcosm of the larger picture. Everyday life seems demanding when people have difficulties in managing waste.
Groceries and everyday necessities play a huge role in managing waste. Green mantra stores deliver groceries, biodegradable products, etc. to avoid plastic packaging. “The pricing is a little lesser in normal grocery shops or online markets due to plastic packaging and chemical preservatives which increases its shelf life,” states the owner of the brand . They also give out steel cutlery to use in small parties to discourage use of disposable cutlery.
“I engineer juices and serve them in fruit peels. I feed the peels to my cows thereby going zero waste.” claims Mr. Anand Raj, the owner of Eat Raja. The initial use of straws and glasses made him think in a different way. He added that social media was helpful in getting widespread recognition. Speaking of social media, Abhi&Niyu is a social media page which is run by social entrepreneurs Abhiraj Rajadhyaksha and Niyati Mavinkurve. They travel all across India and make videos on reasons to love India. They also prepare and encourage the use of bio enzymes which are based on the ratio 1(peels):3(jaggery):10(water).
Following the idea of growing together, the ‘Hosa Belaku Artisans’ Foundation has been providing employment to the socially disadvantaged women, people with disability, etc. They make biodegradable products out of dry waste. “Being the only earning member of their families, they also support green ways to life” says Mrs. Kameshwari Devi Kumar, the CEO. As an example of women empowerment, we have Mrs.Vani Murthy who stresses on the segregation of waste at source. Being a part of SWMRT(Solid Waste Management Round Table) and various other environmental associations, she has brought awareness amongst people, and conducts workshops on composting, gardening and other such activities. “Composting has to become a part of your everyday life” she emphasised.
