Zero waste is a unique way one looks at resources – one of the forward looking relevant and profound ways that modern societal change is envisaged in the world today. Thanal provide technical support across India to design, develop and implement zero waste systems. Thanal promotes decentralized solid waste management systems which are based on zero waste principles and discourages polluting technologies that burn or dump waste which may pose threat to life on earth. The programme focuses on building capacities in governments and communities to manage waste more responsibly and scientifically. It promotes responsible production and consumption to reduce waste and use resources more efficiently.
Ethics, Efficiency and Economics – the 3Es are the guiding principles. It suggests sustainable development for the larger good and sustenance. This is a total systems approach that goes beyond just segregate- reuse- reduce- recycle. It reiterates the need for a social change to imbibe the ways of nature for survival and sustainability. Being ethical means having genuine concern for other living beings and the Mother Nature. Zero waste Kovalam is an attempt to implement zero waste concepts at Kovalam , the famous tourist destination in Kerala.
Thanal launched an anti-waste incineration campaign in 1996 as part of a larger Zero Waste initiative. Thanal consequently conceived and developed this project. It has therefore evolved into a defining pillar of Thanal’s waste reduction efforts. The project was initiated in 2001 focusing on building capacity and relationships among the local community for better resource management policies, generate clean and sustainable employment through discards recovery and material substitution.
Thanal established the Zero Waste Centre in April 2003 as part of the Zero Waste Kovalam programme. The centre serves as a resource use education hub. It designs and develops useful products from discards and sustainable materials. The centre facilitate for sourcing of such products, imparting training and building awareness on zero waste. The Centre evolved from the need to complement the effort of the zero waste Kovalam programme which demands ideas, products and designs that are diverse and eco friendly. It has been able to share the lessons learnt in an economical and ecological way of handling waste with local self governments, institutions, local people and has helped build relationships and partnerships among various stakeholders.
Zero Waste Himalaya was launched in 2010 and it has steadily grown into a movement. It is now fights for both Zero Waste & Zero Warming to combat climate change. Zero Waste Himalaya was initiated by groups and individuals across the Himalayan Mountain region with the technical guidance of Thanal for promoting better resource use and recovery practices.
Join Zero Waste Himalayas in Facebook or write to [email protected] to join the group.
Helpline for Zero Waste
A helpline service is provided by Thanal on solid waste management for local self Governments, institutions and public. This is to assist people in choosing technology, processes and practices for better waste management. Troubleshooting service of compost / biogas plants is available for people living in the Thiruvananthapuram City Corporation. Thanal hosts a database of recyclers in Thiruvananthapuram City on its website. This helps facilitate the recovery of non-biodegradable discards. Thanal regularly organises awareness classes, discussions, and demonstrations on demand.
Thanal broadens the canvas of Zero Waste through its Climate Action work. This focuses on building community climate resilience. The programme advocates for ‘Low Carbon’ and ‘Carbon Neutral’ cities/villages. Effective methane mitigation requires sustainable organic waste management, and Thanal’s zero waste programmes demonstrate how decentralized systems can reduce landfill methane emissions while creating healthier and more climate-resilient communities. Thanal addresses the issue of climate change, by helping communities and governments to understand the depth of climate change, design and promote development projects that are climate-resilient to mitigate and to adapt to the changing climate scenarios.
Our project areas work towards co-creating systemic shifts, action-based research and behaviour change in societies. In the current climate-uncertain world, we explore strategic partnerships and innovations with communities to ‘think global, act local’.
The challenge of climate change calls for extraordinary vision, leadership, compassion and wisdom. The accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere has led to global warming. The world must get serious about climate-friendly investments. India offers a strong opportunity in this regard. The country can achieve economic growth with minimal emissions. This is possible by adopting new technologies and finance for low carbon growth.
MAJOR PROJECTS:
- Zero waste cities
- Carbon neutral communities
- Break free from plastics
- Zero waste Himalaya
- Green Army International
ACTIVITIES
- Environment leadership training
- Material substitution
- Entrepreneurship development programme