Pune: Five Gardens Society Leads by Example with Waste-Free Independence Day
Pune: Five Gardens Society Leads by Example with Waste-Free Independence Day
Samata Kukade
Five Gardens Society Embraces Waste-Free Independence Day with Eco-Friendly Initiatives: “Why don’t we think about the trauma of illnesses caused by waste pollution?” asks a resident.
Five Gardens Society, located in Rahatani, Pune celebrated a waste-free Independence Day this year, marking a significant step in their ongoing mission to reduce waste. The event highlighted their commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative waste management practices.
Madhavi Kolte, an active member of the society, shared insights into the society’s latest efforts. “Our initiative began in response to the Pune Municipal Corporation withdrawing its waste collection services for wet waste. This prompted us to take a more proactive role in managing all types of waste,” Kolte explained.
The society has been rigorously working to handle various forms of waste, including electronics and disposables. For their Independence Day celebrations, they collaborated with the newly launched Zero Waste initiative. This program provided eco-friendly utensils and cutlery, replacing disposable options with steel plates that are sanitized and reused.
Kolte detailed how the Zero Waste service operates: “They provide sanitized, steel cutlery and plates for events. After use, these items are collected, cleaned in industrial dishwashers, and reused. This system ensures minimal waste and maximum hygiene.”
Looking ahead, the society plans to apply these principles to upcoming festivals, starting with Ganpati Utsav. Kolte aims to introduce eco-friendly alternatives for decorations and Prasad distribution, including flower Rangoli made with seeds and pulses. “Our goal is to promote creativity and sustainability,” she added.
Addressing the common concern about costs, Kolte noted that while eco-friendly options can initially seem pricier, they offer long-term benefits. “What I would say is that these eco-friendly options are a bit expensive because they are relatively new in the market, and that often leads to higher production costs. However, the Zero Waste initiative has made significant efforts to reduce the cost of their products. For example, they have managed to bring down the price of each five-compartment plate to just ₹10, which is the same amount people usually spend on a disposable plate. Also, when the surroundings are getting polluted, you’re paying high hospital bills, plus suffering from the psychological effects of it. How much trauma a family goes through when somebody is ill with dengue or Zika, so why don’t we think about that? Cost is not everything,” she emphasized.
The society’s efforts align with a broader movement to address environmental challenges, including waste management and climate change. Kolte underscored the urgency of reducing waste, citing its contribution to pollution and the clogging of drainage systems, which exacerbates urban flooding.
As Five Gardens Society continues to innovate in waste management, their Independence Day celebration stands as a testament to their dedication to creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
