SHILLONG: North East Slow Food and Agro biodiversity Society (NESFAS) have come up with a noble initiative towards addressing the issue of garbage management in Mawprem locality.
NESFAS in collaboration with Bethany Society and the Dorbar Shnong, Seng Kynthei and Seng Samla of Mawprem have sensitised the members of the locality with the concept of waste management during a programme held at Mawprem Modern Secondary School on Saturday.
Speaking on the occasion, NESFAS associate trainee Phidarlin Uriah said that the concept of zero waste can begin with the active involvement of each and every member of the society.
“I think there is a need to develop consciousness among the people on the importance to keep the environment and surrounding clean. This is one way to promote the concept of zero waste,” Uriah said.
Mawprem Headman RB Rynjah shared his belief that everyone has a role to play in the movement towards Zero Waste.
“It is high time that we find means to make this world a better place and we all have a part to play. If we do it collectively we can make a difference”, he underscored.
Carmo Noronha, executive director Bethany Society, through a number of demonstrations showed the gathering how they all can carry out effective waste management at home reducing the amount of waste that would need to be dispersed as biodegradable waste can be processed to produce high quality natural fertilizers.
He also dwelt upon energy conservation while promoting use of alternatives like solar powered lights and mobile phone chargers while addressing the recent power shortage problem.
Carmo reminded the gathering that “waste management and energy conservation are not exclusive”.
He presented the audience with 5 “Rs” which include refuse, reduse, reuse, rebuy and recycle.
Members of the Seng Kynthei present were especially heartened by the meeting as they are the ones in particular who deal with house hold waste in the home front. R Debika Pakyntein was very excited with what she learned. “I have a big garden and I will definitely put to use what we learned today,” she affirmed.
Children present on the occasion too shared their views on how zero waste is an interesting phenomenon and promised to talk to their friends and family about this. Md Daiz, a class ten student wants to share what he learned with his family and friends. “I want to share this knowledge because I know it will give the chance to make a difference in the community,” he said.
The gathering decided that this would not be the last of such brainstorming and would ensure that Mawprem would shape itself into a model locality in terms of waste management.
