Appaswamy Mapleton, Pallikaranai

Inception:

Eight residents started ‘The Project Green’ in November 2015, inviting the then Assistant Commissioner of Chennai Corporation (Zone 14) to launch the initiative.

Highlight:

Residents went from door to door explaining the importance of source segregation and also distributed two bins and one bag to residents of around 400 flats.

Members from the Environmentalist Foundation of India were invited to give talks and make presentations on the subject.

Later, workshops were conducted to educate the housekeeping staff and helpers at homes.

Inspiration:

The eight residents were inspired by the zero-waste model followed in Nochikuppam.

“When the villagers were following such environmental-friendly practices a decade ago, why can’t we do something to save the earth, we thought. And we started this initiative at our apartment complex,” says Madhini Balaji, a member.

Measuring progress:

The core members have a few charts that record the amount of biodegradable waste collected every day, and the status of segregation. Yes, they have had setbacks.

“Sometimes we have monkeys and cows entering the apartment premises and dirtying the place. To deal with this, we had to cover everything with tarpaulin,” says Madhini.

Future plans:

The Association plans to start an eco-corner to inspire children and youngsters to care for the environment.

The eco-corner will be a space for environmental activities. A space to promote gardening is also in the pipeline.