Acting locally towards a waste-free community

September 19, 2022 32 Views No Comment

Chizami village takes part in World Cleanup Day

Chizami, September 19 (MExN): On September 17, Chizami village joined over 20 million volunteers from 180+ countries across the globe for the World Cleanup Day.

Acting locally and to collectively work towards a waste-free, healthy, clean, eco-friendly community and actualizing Sustainable Development Goals, more than 150 citizens from Chizami village participated in the village cleanup campaign.

The event was organized by Chizami Students’ Union in collaboration with the 6 Khels and co-partnered with Let’s Do It India Foundation and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), according to a press release from the CSU on Sunday.

Participants cleaned up the village footpath; water sources (springs), market area, and public spaces of about 2kms, which were significant sites of importance for the community. Community people noted that ‘springs especially are of utmost importance because they are our lifeline, as they address our drinking and domestic needs particularly during the lean seasons,’ the release stated.

According to the CSU, about 54 kgs of waste, mostly single use plastics were collected which is alarming. One of the major challenges after the cleanup is the disposal of plastic wastes as there is no designated site or infrastructure for recycling and management which is common in most of the villages and towns in the State, it added.

Based on their experiences, the Chizami Students’ Union officials stated that “relying on cleanups alone is not the solution for a waste-free community. We all must make an effort to be socially responsible and strive to move towards mindful and sustainable lifestyles. Practicing 5Rs daily starting from self to communities – Rethink, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle will go a long way.” Every small action matters and together, we are powerful and impactful, they added.

The CSU emphasized that “Waste management needs a concerted effort of all individuals, institutions, and Government.

At the household level, families should segregate and manage their own wastes. At the community level, Village Council and concerned institutions must prioritize in developing Community-based Waste Management Systems which should also include designation of common waste disposal sites.”

At the State level, the Government must make every effort to strengthen the waste management Policy and infrastructures, provide an enabling environment by supporting the knowledge and raise more effective and efficient awareness on the waste issue and beyond. “Partnership is key to addressing and finding better waste-free solutions for a cleaner future and combat climate change,” it added.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/acting-locally-towards-a-waste-free-community