Waste Management And Circular Economy: Solution For The Residents Of Kurla, Mumbai
The densely populated neighborhood of Kurla, Mumbai, is facing a pressing issue. They lack a Waste Management system.
Addressing Waste Management Through Circular Economy in Kurla
The residents of Kurla face significant challenges with waste management, as garbage is often dumped on streets, creating severe health and hygiene risks. Most of the 100,000 families in the area live in unauthorized shanties and buildings, making it difficult to implement effective waste systems. The issue extends beyond the streets, with plastic waste finding its way into the nearby Mithi River, further endangering the environment and local communities.
To tackle this, the Earth5R team has partnered with RiverRecycle, United Nations Technology Innovation Labs, and VTT. They are cleaning up the Mithi River using a plastic debris recovery machine funded by Huhtamäki, capable of removing 60 tonnes of plastic daily. However, such efforts alone are not sufficient without addressing the root causes of waste accumulation.
Circular Economy: A Sustainable Solution
A Circular Economy keeps resources in use while benefiting the community financially. Earth5R’s training programs are designed to help locals maximize resource utilization by transforming what is considered trash into valuable products.
In Kurla, Earth5R volunteers are engaging locals through various training sessions and activities to address waste management practically. These programs focus on waste segregation, repurposing materials, and developing sustainable practices, all rooted in the circular economy model.
Empowering Locals Through Livelihood Training
Earth5R’s livelihood programs train slum residents to transform waste into marketable products. Residents learn waste segregation into recyclables, non-recyclables, and wet waste. One successful practice is teaching locals to compost wet waste, reducing landfill burdens and generating income.
Additionally, they learn to repurpose clothes, paper, and plastics into useful products, fostering financial independence, especially among women. Rag-pickers are also involved in collecting recyclables, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling Kurla’s waste challenges.
By addressing waste management with a holistic approach, Earth5R is not only cleaning Kurla but empowering its residents for a sustainable future.
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 Riya Dani
