On November 26, we reached a significant milestone in our journey toward sustainability. In collaboration with the Clean to Green (CTG) initiative, we hosted a comprehensive awareness session on E-Waste management. The event wasn’t just about “throwing things away”—it was about understanding the lifecycle of our technology and the collective responsibility we share in protecting our planet.
Who is “Clean to Green”?
Clean to Green is a flagship initiative under the aegis of the Digital India movement and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Operated by the Clean to Green Society (an RLG India venture), this NGO is at the forefront of the circular economy in India.
With a mission to transform “waste into worth,” CTG works tirelessly to bridge the gap between consumers and formal recycling. They provide a transparent, organized platform for the safe disposal of electronic products, ensuring that hazardous materials like lead and mercury never reach our landfills.
Highlights of the Awareness Session
The session was an eye-opener for many of us. Here are the key takeaways that defined the day:
- The “Invisible” Threat: We learned that e-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream globally. Improper disposal doesn’t just take up space; it poisons soil and groundwater, affecting our health for generations.
- Formal vs. Informal Recycling: A major focus was on why we should avoid selling old electronics to local scrap dealers (the informal sector). While convenient, these methods often involve burning or acid-dipping components, which is lethal to both workers and the environment.
- The Power of Urban Mining: CTG experts explained that e-waste is actually a “treasure trove.” By recycling properly, we recover precious metals like gold, silver, and copper, reducing the need for destructive mining of raw materials.
- The CTG Ecosystem: We were introduced to the “Clean to Green on Wheels” program and their digital app, which makes scheduling a doorstep e-waste pickup as easy as ordering a meal online.
Why This Matters for Our Community
Sustainability is no longer a choice; it is a necessity. By partnering with an NGO like Clean to Green, we are aligning ourselves with a national movement toward a Circular Economy.
Every smartphone, laptop, or cable we dispose of through authorized channels is a step toward a greener India. This session empowered us with the knowledge to make better choices—not just on November 26, but every day.
“To manage waste, it needs to be chased and rightly placed.” > — The Motto of Clean to Green Society
Join the Movement
Didn’t make it to the session? You can still be an E-Champion! Start by auditing your home or office for “dead” electronics and reach out to an authorized collector.
