By Shaina Ganapathy, Head of Community Outreach, Embassy Group
Global waste production has shown no signs of slowing down. Over two billion metric tonnes of municipal solid waste (MSW) are generated annually worldwide, and this number is projected to rise by approximately 70 percent by 2050. While governments and international organisations need to take steps to address this issue, it is vital to build local awareness and encourage active grassroots involvement. Above all, the scale of the environmental challenge facing us requires a collaborative and multi-stakeholder strategy.
At Embassy Group, we have implemented various green practices that foster collaboration and a holistic approach to waste management, such as:
- Embassy, through a partnership with The Anonymous Indian Charitable Trust (TAICT), has been working in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat in North Bengaluru since 2016 to address the issues of irresponsible disposal of waste and the depletion of soil and water. The panchayat suffered from air, water, and soil pollution, with around 53 metric tonnes of waste per month being dumped and burned. To increase community involvement and understanding of sustainable living methods, the partners launched the EcoGram programme. EcoGram aims to create an ecologically sound, replicable model gram panchayat.
- To complement the solid waste management infrastructural solutions provided in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat, we have placed an emphasis on community engagement and awareness initiatives for women and children. Bolstered by the “Ecogram Shakti Programme,” the initiative empowers over 50 women from these villages to drive environmental sustainability in their communities.
- What began as a pilot project in the Tarahunise village now encompasses ten villages in the Bettahalasuru Panchayat. In 2022, Embassy built EcoHub, an integrated solid waste management centre that benefits over 4,000 households.
On the occasion of the International Day of Zero Waste, it is important to recognise the role that citizen and local-led environmental movements can play. Involving local and key stakeholders greatly increases the effectiveness of engendering systemic change and increasing accountability. Harnessing the strength of our communities and partnerships ensures that we are laying a groundwork for continued and future change.
As champions of sustainable practices, we will continue our endeavours to reduce environmental degradation and create greener communities. Our agenda is to join hands with other corporates, government bodies, and NGOs to create a culture of collaboration and corporate sustainability.
