Circular Economy Focused Sustainable Program By Earth5R; Waste Management And Livelihood Generation
The significance of waste management on our planet reaches far beyond simply the proper disposal of waste. Improper dumping of waste results in a plethora of environmental issues including climate change, air pollution, water pollution, and the spread of diseases, which all serve to deteriorate the community.
The most important reason for waste collection is the protection of the environment and the health of the population
Mumbai, the financial capital of India, generates approximately 9.400 metric tonnes of waste per day and only 30% of that waste is treated properly. The rest continues to overflow in hazardous waste sites and on the streets.
The massive effects of a deficient waste disposal system is the poor sanitation and health of the community, especially to the thousands of slum settlements located in the city.
In response to the lack of proper waste management, Earth5R volunteers initiated the Circular Economy focused Livelihood Program in Mumbai, India to equip slum dwellers with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the well-being of the community.
CIRCULATION ECONOMY BASED WASTE MANAGEMENT TRAINING IN GHATKOPAR, MUMBAI
With the use of visual aids and interactive activities, the Earth5R team educated residents of Ghatkopar, Mumbai on the significance of segregating wet, dry, and hazardous waste. Through the Program, the Earth5R team emphasized the benefits of adopting circular economy focused solutions in the community.
The circular economy is an economic system aimed to reduce the production of waste by incorporating sustainable solutions that renew its value. Contrary to our current linear economic system of “take-make-dispose”, the circular economy adopts a systematic approach that seeks to close the loop in our waste management system.
A circular economy aims to redefine growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits.
Incorporating this concept, Earth5R’s sustainable program taught residents to properly segregate waste, compost biodegradable waste, and maximize the value of waste through upcycling.
Earth5R volunteer demonstrating the process of waste segregation and recycling to the families in Ghatkopar, Mumbai (Earth5R)
Not only does the program lead to a healthier community but it also stands to benefit the community economically. From equipping slum dwellers with livelihood skills, the Earth5R team encouraged residents, especially women, to upcycle waste material, such as discarded clothes, paper, plastic, into usable items that can be sold on the market.
Through the training, the Earth5R volunteers promoted innovation and entrepreneurship at the local community level to a total of 35-45 families at Ghatkopar, Mumbai.
Annually, a sum of ₹22,99,500 community income is generated from livelihood generation activities under Earth5R’s Circular Economy Focused Livelihood Program.
Aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Earth5R’s Circular Economy focused Livelihood Program addresses critical issues within the community by uniting citizens under one common purpose: to create a healthier planet by adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.
ABOUT EARTH5R
Earth5R is an environmental organization from India with its head office at 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 Claire Hsu, Edited by Sajitha Siril