Zero Waste Kovalam, launched in 2001, transformed the fishing village of Kovalam through ethical and efficient material use, eliminating waste production. The project, led by Thanal, focused on resource management policies and sustainable employment, supported by the Department of Tourism, Kerala, KHRA, Greenpeace, GAIA, and Grama Panchayaths of Venganoor and Vizhinjam. By adopting the Zero Waste approach, the program aimed to shift from conventional waste management to complete resource recovery, promoting local materials substitution and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Zero Waste Himalaya, launched in 2010 with Thanal’s technical guidance, has evolved into a powerful movement driven by groups and individuals across the Himalayan Mountain region. With a focus on promoting improved resource use and recovery practices, Thanal plays a pivotal role by providing training and building capacities in the region. Over the past few years, Zero Waste Himalaya has transformed into a movement dedicated to combating climate change, embodying the vision of “Zero Waste for Zero Warming.” This initiative goes beyond waste reduction, advocating for sustainable practices that contribute to climate resilience and a healthier environment.

Through the GIZ CES SUPs Alternatives Training Programme, Thanal empowered 75 women across 13 Self Help Groups, fostering a shift away from single-use plastics. Over one year, the initiative enabled the creation of sustainable alternatives like cloth bags, sanitary pads, and bamboo products. Beyond skill development, the project instilled a sustainable mindset in the community, influencing families to adopt eco-friendly practices. Notably, the community produced over 35,000 bags, showcasing their commitment to sustainability.

In the Zero Waste City Project, Thiruvananthapuram faced challenges due to high land use, dense population (1509 inhabitants per sq. km), and ongoing developments. The waste management practices were dire five years ago, posing crucial issues for citizens and causing headaches for the Municipal Corporation. Studies revealed that managing waste at home alleviated daily challenges with waste management agencies. The Municipal Corporation introduced a kitchen bin system for household bio-waste and a waste collection calendar for non-bio waste. This marked the initial phase of the Zero Waste Cities Project.

Composting, a natural process converting organic waste into nutrient-rich humus, acts as a vital supplement to traditional fertilizers, fostering a healthier agricultural system. Beyond waste reduction, it effectively manages farm-generated organic waste by recycling crop residues, kitchen scraps, and other materials, contributing to a sustainable, circular agricultural model. Compost plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, mitigating climate change by storing carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting climate resilience in agriculture.

Our routine purchase of plastic bags, containers, and bottles often neglects the crucial issue of their disposal and its impact [Learn More about the Impacts of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs)]. Unfortunately, these items frequently end up in water bodies, causing marine littering. Shockingly, studies reveal that 5 – 13 tons of plastics enter the ocean yearly, breaking down into harmful microplastics due to factors like ocean salinity and sunlight. Marine life consumes these microplastics, and as we consume fish, we unwittingly ingest these particles.