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Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
E-Waste Management contd.
E-Waste Management
I believe that the one major thing to ponder on is the root of this problem, which according to me is what people perceive to be convenient and profitable. This is true for both e-waste management and Municipal solid waste. for e.g. Tell me where would you throw your old electronics? Do you know of a place where you could do it? What is the most convenient way for you to do it?
Sadly, for most of the population of India there is no popular method to dispose off their waste. They simply throw everything in the dustbin at home or office and think that somebody else will take care of it and their job is done. We see companies like Nokia coming up with their recycle your old mobile phone campaign, but this is not enough to deal with the problem.
Similar to convenience, we can talk about profitability. This is more suitable in the case of the dealer of such e-scrap. He will find the most easiest and profitable way for him to work. He will employ cheap labor including children, he will use traditional methods and minimum safety measures to cut costs.
The solution for both the problems can be done at a micro and macro level-- micro for the people where they have a disposal facilities available to them, because according to my experience-people are willing to help and work for the cause if you provide them with an opportunity. Ofcourse, very less go out of the way to do an extra effort but normal people would be willing to contribute if you provide them with facilities, like communal e-waste bins, bins in all schools, offices, malls etc.
On a macro level, we have to set up more and more organisations on a big scale which have appropriate funding and resources to deal with such waste and I don't mind if the private sector takes over to this job. These orgs can employ local people who are skilled in this work. i.e. informal sector. This way the poor people get better profits and safety in their jobs.
In the end, I would like to share this piece of article -- http://www.merinews.com/article/delhi-gets-eco-friendly-to-get-bins-for-e-waste-disposal/15800813.shtml
http://eco-wise.info/
I believe that the one major thing to ponder on is the root of this problem, which according to me is what people perceive to be convenient and profitable. This is true for both e-waste management and Municipal solid waste. for e.g. Tell me where would you throw your old electronics? Do you know of a place where you could do it? What is the most convenient way for you to do it?
Sadly, for most of the population of India there is no popular method to dispose off their waste. They simply throw everything in the dustbin at home or office and think that somebody else will take care of it and their job is done. We see companies like Nokia coming up with their recycle your old mobile phone campaign, but this is not enough to deal with the problem.
Similar to convenience, we can talk about profitability. This is more suitable in the case of the dealer of such e-scrap. He will find the most easiest and profitable way for him to work. He will employ cheap labor including children, he will use traditional methods and minimum safety measures to cut costs.
The solution for both the problems can be done at a micro and macro level-- micro for the people where they have a disposal facilities available to them, because according to my experience-people are willing to help and work for the cause if you provide them with an opportunity. Ofcourse, very less go out of the way to do an extra effort but normal people would be willing to contribute if you provide them with facilities, like communal e-waste bins, bins in all schools, offices, malls etc.
On a macro level, we have to set up more and more organisations on a big scale which have appropriate funding and resources to deal with such waste and I don't mind if the private sector takes over to this job. These orgs can employ local people who are skilled in this work. i.e. informal sector. This way the poor people get better profits and safety in their jobs.
In the end, I would like to share this piece of article -- http://www.merinews.com/article/delhi-gets-eco-friendly-to-get-bins-for-e-waste-disposal/15800813.shtml
http://eco-wise.info/
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Packaging Waste Management
Present Scenario:
Packaging, as a strategic business tool, is the key for enhancing product characteristics and safety of the product. During last decade, packaging industry has grown exponentially. While quality improvement and better technology adoption are visible, one can also see a lot of packaging waste lying all around. Packaging waste, its collection and disposal have become an environmental challenge. Packaging waste comprise a wide range of materials that are derived from multiple items used as packaging material. Selection of appropriate waste characterization and processing technologies can tell us about the composition of waste and the action necessary to address the issues. Presently, the packaging material waste is being managed along with municipal solid waste.
Packaging and especially food packaging has considerable impact on health and environment. Styrofoam or Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl chrolide (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terapthalate (PET) and several others are reported to be unsafe as food and beverage packaging since polystyrene breaks down to styrene at low temperatures and often PVC has unpolymerised residual vinyl monomers in them, both of which are highly carcinogenic. All chlorinated plastics emit dioxins and furans and others benzene and ethylene oxide when incinerated besides emitting monomers like styrene, hydrogen chloride, vinyl monomers & pthlates. PET and other plastics like HDPE, LDPE and Polycarbonate having Bisphenol A leach into food and beverages even at room temperatures especially when aerated and other drinks are stored in them. Thermosets like Melamine are also known to give off acids and hydrocarbons into foods. Pigments (such as red, pink, black etc) in such packaging materials containing hexavalent Chromium, Mercury, Cadmium and Lead are carcinogenic and could harm the endocrine and neurological systems. If recycled plastics(thermoplastics) are used even in small quantities in the manufacture of food and beverages packaging, they cause major harm to human health as the contaminated recyclate can leache toxic hydrocarbons such as pesticides, fertilizers, lube oils, paints and heavy metals into the edible contents packed in them. Similarly when PVC is used for blood bags or for making dialysis units, they are known to cause toxicity in patients due to leaching of pthalates, which are plasticizers, into the blood. Similarly Poly Ethylene Glucose Saline sets are known to leache out unpolymerised hydrocarbons which could be detrimental to patients, causing allergies and lengthening their stay in hospitals.
The thermoplastics like HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PP, PS, PET or any of the thermosets are not bio-degradable. These are, sometimes, starch-filled to give the impression that they are degradable but they end up being more harmful for the environment than the non-biodegradable polymers. Plastics like Polylactic Acid (PLA) and other biopolymers made from natural starches like potato starch, oils like corn oil or palm oil are known to be completely biodegradable. PLA requires higher temperatures and specific moisture content to biodegrade. These biopolymers are expensive and are as yet not used in India on a commercial basis except in manufacture of drugs and absorbable sutures.
Fused Aluminum and plastic are used for packaging food materials. PolyAl is completely non-degradable and emits toxic fumes on burning. It could cause infertility of soil, if it gets imbedded in it, reducing permeability, porosity and fertility of the soil.
Food and Beverages packaging are high volume but may have low weights, making up only 15-20% of all packaging. They are flimsy and disposable and highly visible since they are directly disposed in the environment and are found scattered everywhere. Packaging material can be broadly classified as food and non-food packaging materials.
Recommendations:
- A study should be initiated for estimating the quantity and characteristics of each type of packaging material in the waste stream, major sources of its generation and existing disposal methods being practiced.
- A policy on packaging waste management system with the participation of all stakeholders should be developed.
- Studies on a framework for promoting clean recycling policy for packaging waste should be developed by using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methods.
- Guidelines/Rules should be brought out to involve large scale retailers and user industries from pharmaceuticals, processed food industries etc. in devising strategies for managing these wastes. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) should be requested to frame standards for manufacture and use of packaging with the idea that their reuse and recycling should not be hazardous to human health and the environment.
- Plastic packaging material should be characterized and their processing recommended after proper hazard assessment as also material from other Packaging materials viz., tetra pack, paper, pharma, glass and metals.
- There is a need to prescribe standards for non-plastic packaging as well plastics.
- Quantification and characterization of non-plastic packaging waste reaching landfill should be carried out and their recycling potential should be assessed and safe technologies for the same recommended.
- A comprehensive legislation on packaging waste should be initiated.
- Handling of any post-consumer waste is an issue which has a collective responsibility for producers, consumers, regulators, policy makers and enforcement agencies. Therefore, conducting mass awareness programmes for manufacturers, consumers, regulators, policy makers and citizens would have to be initiated.
- Strategies for recovering energy by incineration of packaging waste should be discouraged and banned.
- Design safer packaging, sorting, separating, reuse, recycling and safe reprocessing should be encouraged and promoted.
(Source: Report of the Committee to Evolve Road Map on Management of Wastes in India, Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, March, 2010. Available at: http://www.environmentportal.in/files/Roadmap-Mgmt-Waste.pdf)
Industrial Waste Management India
Industrial Waste Management India
Eco Wise Blog just got Carbon positive
With the help of http://www.ixpo.com/plant-a-tree/make-my-blog-carbon-positive/
Eco Wise just got a tree planted by adding the CO2 button on the blog. Join us in helping and promoting our cause of clean and green cities.
Be Responsible Be Eco Wise
http://ecowise.net.in
Eco Wise just got a tree planted by adding the CO2 button on the blog. Join us in helping and promoting our cause of clean and green cities.
Be Responsible Be Eco Wise
http://ecowise.net.in
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
GHG Reduction Indian Perspective
Climate change arising due to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere since the pre-industrial times has emerged as a serious global environmental issue and poses a threat and challenge to mankind. THE rising concentrations of greenhouse gases (GHGs) of anthropogenic origin in the atmosphere such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) have increased, since the late 19th century. According to the Third Assessment Report (TAR) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, because of the increase in concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (for e.g., CO2 by 29 per cent, CH4 by 150 per cent and N2O by 15 per cent) in the last 100 years, the mean surface
temperature has risen by 0.4–0.8°C globally. The precipitation has become spatially variable and the intensity and frequency of extreme events has increased. The sea level also has risen at an average annual rate of 1–2 mm during this period. The continued increase in concentration of GHG in the atmosphere is likely to lead to climate change resulting in large changes in ecosystems, leading to possible catastrophic disruptions of livelihoods, economic activity, living conditions, and human health.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change requires the parties to protect the climate system in accordance with their ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’and respective capabilities. It enjoins upon developed countries to take the lead role for combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof, considering their historically higher contribution to the total anthropogenic load of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
The Indian Government has targeted an 8% GDP growth rate per annum for 2002–07 to achieve its development priorities. In order to achieve these developmental aspirations, substantial additional energy consumption will be necessary and coal, being the abundant domestic energy resource, would continue to play a dominant role. Since GHGs emissions are directly linked to economic growth, India’s economic activities will necessarily involve increase in GHGs emissions from the current levels. The CO2 equivalent emissions from India are set to increase up to 3000 million tonnes by 2020. Any constraint will hamper the economic development.
The compounded annual growth rate of CO2 equivalent emissions from India between 1990 and 2000 (preliminary estimates made by authors) show an overall increase by 4.2 per cent per annum. On a sectoral basis, the maximum growth in emissions is from the industrial process sector (21.3 per cent per annum), followed by the emissions from the waste sector (7.3 per cent per annum). The energy sector emissions have only grown by 4.4 per cent per annum with almost no increase in emissions registered from the agriculture sector. Significant increase in emissions from the industrial process sector can be attributed to the growth in cement and steel production in India over the decade. Similarly, increase in emissions from the waste sector can be attributed to increase in quantity of waste generated due to the large influx of population from villages to cities in 2000 with respect to 1990, where because of systematic waste disposal practices, anaerobic conditions are created leading to CH4 emissions.
The total amount of GHGs emitted in India, was 1228 million tonnes, which accounted for only 3 per cent of the total global emissions, and of which 63 per cent was emitted as CO2, 33 per cent as CH4, and the rest 4 per cent as N2O. The GHG emissions in the years 1990, 1994 and 2000 increased from 988 to 1228 to 1484 million tonnes respectively and the compounded annual growth rate of these emissions between 1990 and 2000 has been 4.2 percent. The Indian GHG emissions are projected to increase by almost three times with respect to the 1990 emissions in 2020. It is perceived that the various climate-friendly initiatives introduced, such as enhancement of energy efficiency, promotion of use of renewable energy resources and introduction of environmental measures such as enhancement of afforested land area will address such climate change issues effectively.
These conscious decisions require committing substantial resources for climate-friendly sustainable development.
(Source: Sharma, Bhattacharya, and Amit Garg. SPECIAL SECTION: CLIMATE CHANGE AND INDIA. CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 90, NO. 3, 10 FEBRUARY 2006)
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
What happens at a composting site?
Composting is the process wherein you can convert organic waste into useful manure by aerobic conversion. The active organism in conventional vermicomposting are earthworms. It is a fairly easy process which is very beneficial in reducing the amount of our waste by turning it into something useful and natural. Anybody with a spare piece of land and some training can effectively produce manure and contribute to saving the environment. The detailed process is as follows-
1. You need a lot of organic or wet waste. Organic waste is your regular kitchen waste like peels of fruits and vegetables, uncooked and cooked items, teabags, dead leaves, plant and animal products, refuse, excreta etc. The main characteristics of this type of waste is that it decomposes very fast and produces stink. In hot climates, it decomposes at a faster rate than colder climates. This waste should not be burned often as it produces methane gas which adds to the Green House Gases (GHG) or climate change.
2. This waste is transported (or ideally should be transported) to the composting site by your local waste picker and/or waste management service provider.
3. Sometimes the waste is mixed with wastes, which could be recycled (like glass, plastic, paper etc), and should be segregated before being put for composting. It is always beneficial to do segregation at source, i.e. homes, in order to save time, effort and costs.
4. Special composting pits are prepared in the shape of rectangular boxes as shown. A composting site can have a number of such pits.
5. The waste is mixed with cowdung in the pits. A special type of worms are used which are derived from Australia and are usually reddish in color. A typical worm egg gives about 5-6 worms. They are different from the common earthworms found locally as they don't eat the soil and only break-down the waste into smaller units.
7. When it is done, the compost is taken out from the top as the worms seep at the bottom. The compost is then sieved to remove extra worms. It is now ready to be packed and sold off or to be used in your garden.
1. You need a lot of organic or wet waste. Organic waste is your regular kitchen waste like peels of fruits and vegetables, uncooked and cooked items, teabags, dead leaves, plant and animal products, refuse, excreta etc. The main characteristics of this type of waste is that it decomposes very fast and produces stink. In hot climates, it decomposes at a faster rate than colder climates. This waste should not be burned often as it produces methane gas which adds to the Green House Gases (GHG) or climate change.
2. This waste is transported (or ideally should be transported) to the composting site by your local waste picker and/or waste management service provider.
3. Sometimes the waste is mixed with wastes, which could be recycled (like glass, plastic, paper etc), and should be segregated before being put for composting. It is always beneficial to do segregation at source, i.e. homes, in order to save time, effort and costs.
4. Special composting pits are prepared in the shape of rectangular boxes as shown. A composting site can have a number of such pits.
6. It takes about a month for the waste to fully convert into rich manure. In the time being, it is suggested that the waste be turned around with a shovel to improve air supply. The worms prefer a darker environment to work in, so the pit is covered with dead leaves to reduce direct sunlight.
Cheers!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Eco Wise Waste Management Operations
Waste Collection in action
Transportation of waste to our site
for more see our site http://www.ecowise.net.in
Monday, March 1, 2010
Waste Management Services
Eco Wise waste management provides comprehensive waste management services to a variety of establishments. These establishments range from residential, commercial and industrial in nature. As a reputed organization working in the field for over three years we offer around the clock service three hundred and sixty five days a year. We serve as a single vendor to meet all your requirements when it comes to collection, transportation, treatment and disposal of municipal solid waste. As a professional organization we insure that waste collected by us is treated and disposed in accordance with MSW rule 2000. Further we assure that your organization is keeping in line with MSW rules and regulations, by the way of providing you with detailed monthly reports on the amount of waste collected, treated, and disposed at a authorized landfill site.
We understand that as an organization watching your bottom line is important and we have take all steps necessary to insure that our service not only watches your bottom line but also your waste line! By implementing sound waste management practices, not only will you be helping the community in which you operate, but will be looked upon as an organization that believes in clean community living and the environment. Many organizations such Haldiram, , Centre Stage Mall, ATS infrastructure and Eldeco have signed agreements with us, to provide them with proficient waste management services. These organizations have recognized that along with providing their customers with excellent service and product they need to insure that they are good community citizens. Also as environmental laws and regulations get tightened, having a sound waste management policy is in their benefit.
There are numerous benefits that the NOIDA and the NOIDA Authority derive by using the Eco Wise Model. These benefits are;
•Door to Door collection, transportation and treatment of biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. .
•Removal and reduction of waste: The total waste collected from societies and dumpsites is taken to the Eco Wise waste treatment site and is sorted into organic and inorganic waste. The organic waste is converted into Vermicompost and organic compost. The inorganic waste or the recyclable material is taken to a separate site where it is packaged and sold off to the recycling industry. The material that cannot be recycled or decomposed is transported by company trucks to a NOIDA Authority dumping site.
•Removal of roadside dumps: There are many roadside dumpsites in NOIDA. These are sites right outside a sector mostly on main roads where garbage is brought and dumped by local RWA’s. As a result you find numerous rag pickers, children and cattle feeding on the garbage at these sites. The Eco Wise model does away with such sites. As a working example, we have managed to this in four sectors. Sector 21, 25, 50 (Kandrea Vihar) and sector 93 (Ats greens Villa). The dumpsites are non-existent, due waste not being dumped at these sites. The total waste from these sectors is been taken to the Eco Wise waste processing facility.
•Minimal waste being taken to dump yards or land fills sites: The Eco Wise process also ensures that minimal waste is taken to landfill sites or dump sites. This saves land and pollution, as landfill sites require vast amounts of land, and they are known to be the highest emitters of methane, which is one of most potent green house gas.
•Provide employment: The Eco Wise model also takes into account the socio economic aspects. The model creates employment for numerous individuals. Currently the company is employing 180 individuals.
•Put Your Society at the forefront of waste management in India: The Eco Wise model is one of its kinds in the whole country. Nowhere in India is this model been utilized by public or the private sector to manage its waste. Eco Wise has a working model already in operation in NOIDA that is producing outstanding results in removal and reduction of waste in NOIDA. Almost 25 tons every day.
Join the 'Clean India Movement'
Swach Bharat, Clean India Movement
Dear friends,
You might wonder why we have taken up this cause of cleaning India (Swach Bharat)? You might even ask yourself can we as individuals and citizens of India make a real difference?
As the youth and future of the nation, it is our responsibility to insure that India is ready to forge and lead by example in the 21st century. Over 50% of our population is under 30 and it is critical that we start thinking about issues that are really affecting the country. This cause that we have taken up requires every individual to make a serious commitment towards educating himself and others about the seriousness of over coming this national/global challenge.
Our environment, the cities, the communities, the streets the people of our country are all the face of India. This is where we live and call home. We all know how important it is to keep our home clean, not only for health reasons but also for creating an environment that welcome our guest and provide us with a sense of pride. We consider India our home, and we hope you do too. Let’s start today by making a pledge to clean our home India.
As the youth we have tremendous powers, and as citizens of India, we can start changing things in our country, by involving people in this movement and getting them to make the right choice so that our future as a nation is sustainable.
Here at Eco Wise we are trying to educate people specially the youth about proper waste disposal procedures starting at their home. As an organization involved in waste management, it is our social responsibility to insure that people know about the grave situation on hand. We are a stern believer in change for the good of society and our work is to insure that just that happens.
Be a part and play a part in changing the face of the nation! Join the movement today, simply by sending us a e-mail at info@ecowise.net.in with the title “I Commit”
Dear friends,
You might wonder why we have taken up this cause of cleaning India (Swach Bharat)? You might even ask yourself can we as individuals and citizens of India make a real difference?
As the youth and future of the nation, it is our responsibility to insure that India is ready to forge and lead by example in the 21st century. Over 50% of our population is under 30 and it is critical that we start thinking about issues that are really affecting the country. This cause that we have taken up requires every individual to make a serious commitment towards educating himself and others about the seriousness of over coming this national/global challenge.
Our environment, the cities, the communities, the streets the people of our country are all the face of India. This is where we live and call home. We all know how important it is to keep our home clean, not only for health reasons but also for creating an environment that welcome our guest and provide us with a sense of pride. We consider India our home, and we hope you do too. Let’s start today by making a pledge to clean our home India.
As the youth we have tremendous powers, and as citizens of India, we can start changing things in our country, by involving people in this movement and getting them to make the right choice so that our future as a nation is sustainable.
Here at Eco Wise we are trying to educate people specially the youth about proper waste disposal procedures starting at their home. As an organization involved in waste management, it is our social responsibility to insure that people know about the grave situation on hand. We are a stern believer in change for the good of society and our work is to insure that just that happens.
Be a part and play a part in changing the face of the nation! Join the movement today, simply by sending us a e-mail at info@ecowise.net.in with the title “I Commit”
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