Workshop on Best out of Waste

Workshop on Best out of Waste

Workshop on Best out of Waste

As part of Green Action Week, Consumer VOICE, in collaboration with Being Artistic by Himani, organized a “Best Out of Waste” workshop at Soami Nagar Model School, Delhi, on October 5th. The workshop aimed to inspire students to embrace sustainable living by repurposing waste materials. 

Over 70 students participated, showcasing their creativity by transforming everyday waste items like food boxes and paper plates into artistic and practical products.

A vibrant art corner was set up to display global sustainability visions, which highlighted the critical importance of reducing waste and reusing resources. This creative initiative sparked engaging discussions among students about environmental responsibility and the role of individuals in building a sustainable future.

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Ms. Aarti Prasad, the Principal, along with senior teachers, encouraged students to incorporate these practices into their daily lives. 

Ms. Rinki Sharma, Lead – Projects at Consumer VOICE, also interacted with the students, providing insights into the importance of sustainable consumption.

To further encourage eco-friendly habits, each student was given cloth bags and seed pencils, emphasizing that small steps can lead to big changes. The workshop was a resounding success, leaving students motivated to take action for a cleaner, greener future.

Workshop on Waste Management | Green Action Week

Workshop on Waste Management | Green Action Week

Workshop on Waste Management | Green Action Week

As part of the ongoing Green Action Week activities, Consumer VOICE organised a workshop in Lajpat Nagar, Delhi on 4th October 2024, focusing on empowering consumers to adopt sustainable and circular economy practices. The workshop covered vital topics such as greenwashing, the right to repair, and responsible waste disposal, all aimed at encouraging informed consumer choices that benefit the environment.

Participants engaged in meaningful discussions on how everyday actions—like reducing single-use plastics, opting for repairs over replacements, and properly disposing of waste, including e-waste—can significantly reduce environmental impact. Ashim Sanyal, CEO of Consumer VOICE, highlighted significant advancements in eco-labelling, the right to repair, and efforts to combat greenwashing in India. These initiatives are designed to empower consumers and promote sustainable consumption practices nationwide. These conversations centered on building a stronger sharing community where resources are used efficiently, and waste is minimized, and sustainability becomes a way of life.

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In addition to these discussions, an art corner was set up to showcase creative visions from various organizations worldwide. These pieces of art, representing diverse perspectives on sustainability, were explained in detail to the participants. The artwork served as a powerful reminder of the collective global effort needed to achieve a cleaner, greener future. The workshop successfully inspired consumers to embrace circular practices such as reuse, recycling, and repair, all of which play a critical role in reducing waste and promoting sustainable living.

Workshop on Promoting Circular Economy Practices within communities

Workshop on Promoting Circular Economy Practices within communities

Workshop on Promoting Circular Economy Practices within communities

As part of Green Action Week 2024, Consumer VOICE organized an impactful workshop on 28th September in Jahangirpuri, Delhi, aimed at promoting circular economy practices for a sustainable future. The event brought together women and children, empowering them to actively engage in building a stronger sharing community through hands-on learning and practical solutions.

The workshop focused on demonstrating simple yet effective ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability. Participants were shown how to repurpose everyday items like plastic bottles into eco-friendly planters and turn old clothes into reusable bags. The importance of responsible waste disposal was emphasized, with guidance on how to dispose of plastic, food, and e-waste through certified recycling canters, reducing the harmful environmental impact of improper waste management.

One of the key highlights was the use of natural resources, such as medicinal plants, to promote sustainable living practices. By encouraging participants to think creatively about reusing materials and adopting greener habits, the workshop provided practical solutions for everyday challenges.

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In addition to the hands-on activities, Consumer VOICE set up an art corner that showcased inspiring artwork contributed by Green Action Week grantees from around the world. These creative pieces reflected the artists’ visions for a sustainable future and served as a powerful reminder of the collective effort required to protect the environment. The participants eagerly engaged with the artwork, discussing the underlying messages and the importance of working together to make a meaningful impact.

The enthusiastic participation of over 40 women and children was truly inspiring, demonstrating their commitment to taking small, yet significant steps toward a greener, more sustainable future. Through collaborative learning and creative expression, the workshop not only raised awareness but also empowered participants to become active contributors to a circular economy.

5 Simple Steps to Reduce E-Waste and Plastic Waste through Circular Economy

5 Simple Steps to Reduce E-Waste and Plastic Waste through Circular Economy

5 Simple Steps to Reduce E-Waste and Plastic Waste through Circular Economy

As the world continues to consume and produce more electronics or plastics, it has all the more to be concerned with on waste management. Those dangers which come with environmental impacts arising from e-waste and plastic wastes are tragic yet can be almost adequately reduced if consumers embrace circular economy principles. Here are five easy steps for consumers to take immediate action towards reducing e-waste and plastic waste:

1. Extend the lifespan of electronics
Use it longer rather than replacing your electronics at every small incident. Do keep a habit of repairing your electronics as much as you can, which reduces the accumulation of e-waste again.

2.Swap or  Give Away
Electronic waste can have a second life. You reduce e-waste while passing on the alternatives to who may still put those electronics to use by swapping or donating used devices.

3. Refuse Single-Use Plastics
Humans are using plastic straws and bags as if they are meant to be used once. The truth is, single-use plastics account for a huge percentage of plastic pollution. Change to reusable ones for less plastic waste.

4. Responsible Recycling
E-waste and plastic waste are not allowed to be disposed of randomly; the qualified recycling centers will ensure all the precious materials are recuperated and toxic substances do not end up in landfills.

5. Engage your consumer power in Circular Brands
Support businesses working on sustainability, using recycled materials, or giving take-back programs. Encourage companies that start the circular economy action in the direction of responsible production and consumption.

 These small changes can make a significant difference. By making more conscious choices, consumers can contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing both e-waste and plastic waste for a healthier planet.

Waste Reduction in India – Challenges and suggestions

Waste Reduction in India – Challenges and suggestions

Waste Reduction in India – Challenges and suggestions

With rapid urbanization, industrialization and economic growth, the world is facing an exponential challenge of waste management and India is no exception. Did you know that India generates over 62 million tons (MT) of waste in a year? According to a report by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) only 43 MT of total waste generated gets collected, with 12 MT being treated before disposal, and the remaining 31 MT simply discarded in wasteyards. The Indian Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has projected that annual waste generation in India will increase to 165 MT by 2030.

Classification of waste

Besides the biodegradable waste like kitchen and food waste, sanitary waste and flower and fruit waste and non-biodegradable waste like plastics, metals, glasses and various types of wrapping, there is another kind of waste called the Domestic Hazardous Waste (DHW). The alarming fact is that most of it is used in our daily lives. Be it nail paint, LED bulbs, tubelights, pesticides or car batteries, these are thrown away casually along with our daily waste generation.

Most of the waste generated not only remains untreated but inadequate waste collection and disposal have become major causes for environmental and public health concerns in the country. 

If you thought disposing of waste out of sight is a solution, then think again. It does not solve the problem but indirectly increases the problem manifold and goes beyond control. It poses threat to health hazards and results in soil, water and air pollution. It not only affects the human health but the entire ecosystem is put at risk. It is therefore essential to focus on proper management of waste. 

Challenges

Some of the challenges that India faces in waste disposal are:

Waste segregation: Though many municipalities provide segregation bins, but same is not true at the source. Many households do not have separate bins and everything ends up in a single bin. 

Landfills

More than 50% of India’s solid waste is dumped into landfills, which is a major problem due to inefficient waste management systems. 

Low Public awareness

Low public awareness on the importance of segregation of dry waste and solid waste and the harmful effects it can cause on human and environmental hazard. Lack of public interest and participation in waste management is also a huge area of concern.

Infrastructure concerns

The generation of municipal solid waste is expected to rise to 165 million tonnes by 2030 due to changing consumption patterns and rapid economic growth but there are no enough bins, area for disposal or even number of waste collectors are not increasing at that rate. 

Community Intervention

Managing waste or reducing of waste is not only the job of an individual but that of a community as a whole. 

Be informed – It is important to be informed about the harmful effects of irresponsible waste management. One should read about the ill-effects and also act as ambassadors in the neighbourhood and share the information.

Separate garbage – As it is said, charity begins at home, even segregation of waste should begin at home. Make separate bins for dry and wet waste and dispose it in the same way. There are NGOs who accept domestic hazardous waste and treat it in a scientific manner. Instead of just casually tossing things in the bin, you can even share them with your maids, labours and other needy people. 

Compost – Compositing is very simple and one of the easiest and quickest ways of disposing of organic waste. You can also have neighbours start a vermiculture bin. 

4 Rs – Last but not the least, make 4Rs the motto of your life – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Consume less and stop from un-necessary purchases. Reuse things that can be done and recycle with friends and family. 

With some small changes, we can bring in big changes in our life and society. 

Nilanjana Bose

(Professional and mother)

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