Programs & Events
World Environment Day Discussion Calls for Public Participation in Waste Management Efforts
June 3: “No waste is really waste” - this was the message that rang out loud clear at the World Environment Day discussion on “Urban Solid Waste Management” jointly organized by the U.S. Consulate General - Chennai and ExNoRa International at Loyola College on Wednesday, June 3, 2009. Founder and Chairman of ExNoRa International Mr. M.B. Nirmal and Vice President of Neel Metal Fanalca Mr. G.T. Sambandam delineated the challenges of waste management situation in Chennai and the measures they have under taken to address it. Frederick J. Kaplan, Consul for Public Affairs at the U.S. Consulate, Chennai presided over the session. An exhibition on environment conservation and eco-friendly products was part of the program. U.S. waste management expert Mr. Jaime A. Lozano who joined in the discussion via video conferencing emphasized the importance of building awareness of the significance of waste management amongst students and youth. He suggested establishing incentives and awards as a measure to boost public interest in waste management efforts. Waste management efforts have the potential to generate employment opportunities. When the local communities are engaged in waste management efforts, they develop a sense of ownership, which help sustain the procedures. Mr. Lozano also suggested a series of measures such as getting manufacturers to reduce packaging, providing take-back options for solid waste, developing Resource Recovery Parks – where people can take old window and door frames, etc. instead of to the landfill and starting Waste Auditing processes. Pointing out that over-consumption is the main cause for waste generation, Mr. Lozano reminded everyone of Mahatma Gandhi’s saying: “The world has enough for everyone’s need…but not for everyone’s greed.”