India aims to be number 1 at everything, be it technologically, scientifically, or anything it lacks. Currently, India stands at number 3 in generating waste, and it won’t be long before we get to the top even in this sector. Sarcasm aside, we citizens are turning our beautiful country into one big stinking garbage dump. The adage “Shit hits the fan” fits perfectly considering our situation. 

It’s not yet a big problem according to most citizens, but it’s only ignorance that’s talking. As long as we don’t bother about it, the problem might simply vanish, right? Wrong. The truth is that this problem simply intensifies the more we ignore it. If statistics amuse you, you’ll be shocked to know that India produces a staggering 62 million tonnes of nothing but waste every year. What’s more alarming is that only 12% is processed while the rest just rots in several landfills across the country.

Image credit: TOI

The image above shows statistics of waste generated every single day. And, the numbers just keep rising. We may not be facing a crisis as of now, but it won’t be long before we begin to drown in our own waste. And, our children may never see the light of the day if this issue continues. 

Just take a look at lakes and rivers transforming into foaming chemical beds. The Yamuna river that was once teeming with aquatic life is now reduced to nothing but horrible chemical waste.

Polluted Yamuna river

Not only is the aquatic life dead, but it’s harmful to humans as well. There are many other lakes in the country that meet the same fate. Whether it’s Vartur lake in Bangalore or the Yamuna river in Delhi, we are choking our own country. To imagine how our country might look by 2050, just think of how India was portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire. There was an outrage when India was depicted as one big dump, but it won’t be surprising if it actually turns out to be true. 

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) seems to have noticed this stinking problem and has already issued notices to commissioners to manage the waste. However, we are yet to see any stern action. What about landfills, you ask? Well, gigantic amounts of waste result in landfills overflowing with nowhere to go. There’s simply no place to house the waste. 

The government is working on this problem by attempting to create new landfill sites, but it’s just a matter of time before they start overflowing too. It’s a game of numbers and we simply can’t win. Instead of picking out new landfill sites, we must come up with innovative ideas. Managing waste isn’t such a big problem, but it can only happen if every single citizen starts working towards it. 

An adage states that charity starts at home. Similarly, if you start managing waste efficiently, we will be able to avert a disaster. 

How do I do that, you wonder? There are many ways…

1. Produce less waste

Forget about how much waste the country or city produces, but start thinking about how much waste your household produces every single day. A regular household produces at least 500 grams of waste per day. You’ll actually do everyone a big favor if you can reduce the number every day no matter how small it is. 

Does that mean you eat less? Nope. It simply means that you start managing the waste yourself. And, the quickest way to do that is to start composting. Composting sounds difficult to a layman but it isn’t as difficult as you think. There are too many options to help. All you have to do is choose the best way and you’ll automatically reduce the amount of waste you produce. 

Take a look at organizations like DailyDump, for instance. They sell composters or khambas that help you manage waste pretty well. There are many types of composters available. 

The simplest way to compost waste is to dig a hole in your backyard and dump all the organic waste. However, not everyone is lucky to have a backyard, and that’s where composters come in. From plastic to fabric composters, there are many different varieties you can choose from. And, what makes composting amazing is that you can utilize the compost to grow fruits and vegetables. If gardening isn’t your cup of tea, you can simply dump the compost without feeling guilty!

2. Segregate waste properly

The biggest problem the government faces is waste segregation. Think about how you dispose of your waste. Do you dump everything in one bag and throw it away? Or, do you differentiate between wet and dry waste? If you do, you’re already on the right track – kudos to you, but if you aren’t then it’s time to understand how to segregate waste. 

Waste segregation is an important part of reducing waste. By separating dry and wet waste, you’re ensuring that your household reduces the amount of waste that reaches landfills. In other words, you take part in reducing pollution. If you combine everything and dump waste, it becomes a nightmare for waste management professionals and most of it goes untreated. Simply put, you’re responsible for increasing waste in landfills. 

To practice proper waste management, you keep two separate garbage bags or containers in your kitchen. When it reaches landfills, wet waste is treated easily and the dry waste is recycled. For sanitary waste, you can rely on paper bags and dispose of them.

3. Take it a step further

Change begins at home, and if you can change something for the better, imagine the impact if everyone around you is ready to change! Form a small community of people that want to help. You have no idea how that can help the country do better. No matter how small your contribution is, you will be a part of helping India breathe! India will become “swach” again only if you put in your efforts, and it all starts with you at your very own home.