A software engineer by profession and a preservationist by passion, Delhi's Shankar Singh had always wanted to do something for the environment. Growing up, he encountered several instances that made him mull over his lifestyle and changes he could adapt to ensure that "mother nature" was not exploited.
From Trash To Library, Vrikshit Foundation Does It Sustainably
Through its waste management facilities, the Delhi-based NGO has collected over 8 million kg of garbage, recycled over 3.2 tons of waste, landscaped over 300 sites and planted over 19.8 thousand trees
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Among other environment-related menaces, Singh saw the waste management problem as a more significant challenge. As years passed by, his drive to bring a change grew intense and four years ago, in 2019, he founded the Vrikshit Foundation to deal with the daunting task of waste management. Initiating from his neighbourhood, Singh gathered a team of volunteers and conducted various cleanliness and plantation drives alongside awareness rallies to manage waste in his area. Besides cleanliness campaigns and afforestation, Vrikshit has worked on projects dealing with the problems of filth, foul smell and mosquito-related diseases.
NGO volunteers collecting waste vrikshitfoundation.org/website
Vrikshit Foundation has been actively involved in cleaning ponds and unhygienic slums. Can you describe the challenges you've encountered during these initiatives and their improvements to the communities?
For a long time, our NGO has been involved in cleanliness drives and other societal issues. We have expanded our efforts beyond cleanliness to enhance the beauty of cities. This includes cleaning parks, dealing with garbage dumps, and ensuring a cleaner environment for the community. Despite facing challenges, our NGO remains committed to preserving nature, particularly natural water bodies.
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Our innovative campaigns were initially met with scepticism from the public and authorities regarding the challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic also posed significant hurdles, leading to project delays. Nevertheless, through years of hard work and determination, we successfully transformed sceptics into willing volunteers, helping us make society a better place to live.
One ongoing challenge is the lack of consistent funding, relying primarily on donations to support our initiatives. However, regardless of the hardships, the unwavering dedication posed by our volunteers has only encouraged us to transform society positively.
Before and after view of mural work by Vrikshit Foundation vrikshitfoundation/Instagram
Could you share specific examples of how your organisation has reduced health risks, especially for children, by addressing waste accumulation in unhygienic areas?
In addition to cleanliness and afforestation, we have addressed issues related to filth, foul odours, and mosquito-borne diseases. India is grappling with a surge in municipal solid waste in its metropolitan areas due to rapid urbanization, population growth, climate change, and evolving consumer habits. Shockingly, an estimated 90 per cent of this waste is improperly dumped in public spaces and roads rather than disposed of at government-designated landfill sites.
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This irresponsible waste disposal, road potholes, and inadequate street lighting lead to severe health and environmental issues for nearby residents in high waste-dumping areas. These activities pose a significant risk of deadly diseases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children with weaker immune systems. Through our waste management initiatives, we have collected over 8 million kilograms of garbage, recycled more than 3.2 tons of waste, landscaped 300 sites, and planted over 19.8 thousand trees across the country.
How does the Vrikshit Foundation educate children and stakeholders about waste management and sanitation, and what has been the response from the communities you work with?
The Vrikshit Foundation's mission is to make urban cities greener and sustainable. They organise cleanliness drives in various locations across Delhi, beautifying these areas with paints and colours, giving them an appealing look. This encourages community members to maintain these areas. Our NGO is committed to educating children and stakeholders about waste management and sanitation, and the community has actively supported their work. With a dedicated team of over 8,000 volunteers from different states, these volunteers engage in plantation efforts and lifestyle changes to promote environmental awareness.
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We have directly impacted around 5,00,000 people living in unsanitary conditions, transforming trash-laden areas into clean and vibrant spaces and significantly improving their quality of life. One remarkable achievement is the conversion of dump yards into safe and enjoyable playgrounds for children. While cleaning various places, the foundation accumulates substantial waste, which can be recycled using proper techniques. They ensure effective waste management, segregation, disposal, and recycling to align with their goal of cleaning the environment.
NGO volunteers engaged in mural work vrikshitfoundation/Instagram
Recycling over 3.8 million kilograms of waste is an impressive accomplishment. Can you provide insights into your recycling processes and the environmental benefits derived from these efforts?
Recycling 3.8 million kilograms of waste is a major accomplishment due to our collaborative approach. We work with partner groups and government Material Recovery Facility (MRF) centres to sort waste efficiently into categories like plastics, glass, paper, and metals. Local engagement and monitoring ensure responsible waste disposal.
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The environmental benefits are significant:
Resource Conservation: Recycling saves energy, water, and raw materials by reducing the need for new resource extraction and manufacturing.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction: It lowers greenhouse gas emissions linked to landfill disposal.
Energy Savings: Recycling uses less energy than making goods from raw materials, resulting in energy savings and reduced carbon emissions.
Landfill Space: Recycling eases the burden on landfills, preserving landscapes and reducing pollution risks.
Waste collection drive vrikshitfoundation/Instagram
What inspired the establishment of the Vrikshit Foundation, and how has your vision evolved since 2019?
We aim to transform urban areas into clean, sustainable spaces, replacing the idea of cities as dumping grounds with a clean and green environment using our innovative waste management ways, recycling, and community engagement. Since our start in 2019, our impact has grown significantly. We've gone from a small group of dedicated volunteers to a large community of over 8,000 volunteers who come together every weekend to address the climate crisis and care for their environment.
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This grassroots movement has inspired many young people to involve their friends and communities in the cause. What began as one person's initiative has now expanded to 32 cities, with thousands of enthusiastic young individuals joining the effort.
In addition to cleaning and waste management initiatives, are there any other projects or campaigns that the Vrikshit Foundation is currently involved in or planning for the future?
The Vrikshit Foundation is involved in a range of projects and campaigns beyond their core focus on cleaning and waste management:
Dumpyard Transformation: We are turning abandoned dumpyards into community libraries, promoting education and reading.
Skill Development Centers: We are setting up centres to equip people, especially students, with valuable skills for better job prospects.
Urban Reforestation: The foundation is increasing city green spaces by planting trees and creating mini forests to combat pollution and improve air quality.
Street Art: Using art to raise awareness about critical social issues and inspire positive change.
Awareness Campaigns: Spreading knowledge about environmental conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable living, educating communities on responsible waste management and recycling.
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NGO volunteers cleaned a pavement to make it pedestrian-friendly vrikshitfoundation/Instagram
How can individuals, businesses, or other organisations get involved or support the Vrikshit Foundation's mission of creating a cleaner and healthier India?
Individuals can support the Vrikshit Foundation by donating, volunteering for cleanup and educational activities, spreading awareness about environmental issues, and adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives. For businesses, opportunities include forming corporate partnerships, offering financial support, engaging employees in volunteer activities and education programs, and implementing sustainable practices within their operations, aligning with their corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. These combined efforts help advance the foundation's environmental initiatives and create a more sustainable future.
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