The Sustainable Approach for Integrated Waste Management (SAIM) Project is actively working on mitigating the impacts of marine plastics in Goa, India, through a series of public awareness and community action campaigns in schools and public events. These activities engage with students, vendors, and community members to promote waste segregation at source.
Working with the Next Generation on Tackling the Plastic Problem
Over 300 students from various schools learned about effective domestic waste management, in particular on the significant difference that waste separation at source can make to improve recycling rates. Students learned to distinguish between different waste types: biodegradable, non-biodegradable/recyclable, electronic, and hazardous waste. With better equipped knowledge on waste and its impact, the project aims to encourage students and their families to practice source segregation effectively.
Following these sessions, around 100 students had a chance to visit a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) operated under the SAIM project and were guided through the entire recovery process of sorting and baling waste materials before they are sent to the recycler.
Building a Better Future Together: Engagement with Communities
Awareness drive for stall vendors at Chinchinim feast
Another series of the knowledge-sharing sessions was also conducted for vendors during the Chinchinim Feast – a unique religious tradition that attracts thousands of devotees to the coastal village each year, the Youth Group at the St. Alex Church Curtorim, and for trainees at Nusi Maritime Academy. The goal is to promote waste segregation among local vendors, engage them with better disposal practices, and share the importance of responsible waste handling during festive events. As for the youth, they were encouraged to actively reduce littering in their areas.
Awareness program for the trainees of Nusi Maritime Academy in collaboration with Goa Waste Management Corporation (GWMC)
