Visit to recycling plant and research centre

The Indian School organised an excursion to Chintan (NGO). 21 students from classes IX and X, accompanied by two teachers, Ms Ekta Chitkara and Ms P. Yogeshwari, visited the Chintan Environmental Research and Action Group Complex on Wednesday, August 21, 2023.

Chintan is an NGO that was instituted in 1999 by Ms Bharti Chaturvedi to address the issues of sustainable consumption and environmental and social justice. The NGO approaches the community and the issue of waste picking in a non-judgmental manner; they do not denigrate the waste picker because of the nature of his or her work. It trains individuals, communities and institutions to reduce consumption and waste, segregate, recycle and compost. It trains officials and institutions to learn about waste and e-waste, so they are empowered to make good decisions.

A CHINTAN team member provided the students with a briefing on the wise disposal of waste. The recommended practice involves households having four distinct coloured dustbins: blue for dry waste, green for wet waste, black for electronic waste, and red for chemical waste. Subsequently, a practical demonstration illustrated how individuals sort waste on a conveyor belt into their respective bins; for example, plastic bottles in one bin, glass bottles in another, tissue paper in another, and kitchen waste in yet another.

Chintan established a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) centre in 2020, located in Zakhira, North Delhi, with land alloted by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. The initiative goes beyond waste management; it also enhances the well-being and living standards of individuals involved in waste picking while affording them social protection and respect. The project engages, predominantly women waste workers, accounting for 80% of its workforce. This focus on female participation not only promotes women's empowerment but also enhances livelihoods and guarantees social security and dignity of labour.

Mr Pragun, member of the NGO, introduced the faculty members and students to Chintan's latest initiative known as 'MAGIC MITTI ', where they produce and sell their own organic fertiliser.

Chintan's mission revolves around promoting responsible consumption that is less detrimental to both the environment and vulnerable communities. Their objective is to minimise waste, discourage unsustainable consumption practices, and facilitate improved waste management. It should be acknowledged that the relentless dedication and hard work of all the individuals contributes to this cause.