HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Kickoff of Our New Project:
Building Entrepreneurs in the Community!
Visit to Mr. Sunil Mysore’s off-grid home
On August 6th, our team had the privilege of visiting Mr.Sunil's innovative off-grid home to learn about his holistic approach to sustainable living. His setup is a remarkable demonstration of how to live independently from traditional utilities like BESCOM and BWSSB. The home is powered by solar panels, includes a rainwater harvesting system, and features lush terrace farming. Mr. Sunil also operates a biogas plant that processes wet waste, generating nutrient-rich sludge for his plants and gas for cooking.
As an advocate for decentralized energy and water systems, Mr. Sunil focuses on rooftop solar energy, agro-voltaics, and rainwater harvesting. Through his company, Hinren Engineering, he is pioneering the concept of the "Sustainable Roof," transforming rooftops into climate action tools and promoting a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle.
We are thrilled to announce that Mr. Sunil is excited to collaborate with our Veeraru project and has graciously invited our participants to visit his home and experience this sustainable model firsthand.
Intel Cloth Repurpose Drive
On August 8th, we teamed up with Intel to host a cloth repurpose drive at their campus, focusing on raising awareness about textile waste and promoting sustainable fashion. The initiative aimed to inspire individuals to take responsibility for their consumption habits and adopt a low-waste lifestyle. More than 30 Intel employees participated, donating their old or damaged clothing, contributing to a more eco-conscious mindset.
The event was held both online and offline, with dedicated leaders for each team. Participants had the opportunity to learn how to craft T-bags and coasters, and proudly showcased their creations in a fun ramp walk.
We also set up an educational stall that emphasized the environmental impact of fast fashion, sparking meaningful conversations about sustainable choices. The day was not only informative but also engaging, leaving participants motivated to rethink their habits and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Know Your Municipality Session
On August 15th, in celebration of Independence Day, we hosted an online workshop focused on educating the public about the functions of the BBMP (Bangalore Bruhat Mahanagara Palike) and fostering a better understanding of local governance. This initiative aimed to empower residents with knowledge of municipal operations, encouraging more active and informed community involvement.
The workshop began with an interactive game that engaged over 50 participants, providing a fun and insightful introduction to the various departments within the BBMP and their roles. We explored how the government facilitates collaboration with local communities, setting the stage for a more profound understanding of municipal functions. The interactive format energized the audience and encouraged active participation throughout the session, leaving participants equipped with valuable knowledge to engage more effectively with their local government.
Health and Hygiene session at New Horizon College
Following our successful health and hygiene session at New Horizon College last month, we were excited to return for another dynamic session at New Horizon PU College on August 17th. The event began with an energetic ice-breaker activity, fostering team collaboration and setting a positive tone for the day.
Participants explored essential topics related to waste management, including the different types of waste and sustainable practices for effective segregation and recycling. The session expanded to include important personal and professional well-being aspects, offering practical advice on maintaining social connections, physical health, financial savings, and individual and professional hygiene. Outstanding participants were rewarded with upcycled tote bags as a gesture of appreciation.
We concluded the session with an open discussion, addressing challenges, celebrating the participants' enthusiasm, and gathering valuable feedback. It was a fulfilling experience that combined environmental awareness with personal growth. Click here to witness the session.
Panel Discussion at Christ University
We are thrilled to announce that our founder, Mr. Anirudh, was invited as a panelist at an event organized by Christ University's student-run entrepreneurship club, Agasthya, under the Department of Economics. The event took place on Thursday, August 22nd, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, and focused on the theme "Democratizing Entrepreneurship." The discussion revolved around making entrepreneurship more accessible and ensuring that everyone has the resources needed to pursue it.
Joining Mr. Anirudh on the panel were Mr. Srinivas Sarkar, Founder of Coupl, and Dr. Saji Varghese, Founder of Sunbird Straws. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm of young minds gravitating toward entrepreneurship, and we are proud to contribute to this meaningful conversation.
PlogRun with HP Employees
On August 24th, we teamed up with HP employees for a Plogrun event, where a group of volunteers reached out to us to host this impactful initiative. This event, independent of their CSR project, aimed to raise awareness about the essential work of our sanitation workers (Pourakarmikas), who play a critical role in keeping our city clean.
Over 15 enthusiastic participants, including BBMP Pourakarmikas, joined forces to plog around Russell Market. In just one hour, they managed to collect over 90 kg of dry waste!
Our Plogruns with various organizations have offered valuable insights into the waste disposal habits of different neighborhoods. These events are designed to promote responsible waste disposal practices and demonstrate how individual efforts can significantly improve the cleanliness and well-being of our city.
SWM awareness in Varthur
On August 25th, after receiving reports of improper waste segregation in the Varthur area, we took action by mobilizing a team of young and enthusiastic volunteers. Upon arriving, we worked closely with ward marshals and the BBMP supervisor to assess the situation.
Our team followed the local garbage truck during its rounds, engaging with residents who were not segregating waste correctly. We took the opportunity to educate them on the importance of proper waste segregation and offered guidance on sustainable practices. Through these on-the-ground interactions, we identified the root causes of the issue and gathered valuable insights to enhance waste management efforts in the area.
Strategic Partnership with EY for Enhanced Impact
Goodera, along with their client Ernst & Young GDS, has shown great interest in mentoring and providing strategic consulting to NGOs this year. What sets this initiative apart is the involvement of senior leaders, including VPs and Directors, who will engage directly with NGOs, listen to their challenges, and work with their teams to address these problem statements over the next few months. We were honored to have Let's Be The Change (LBTC) invited as one of the participating NGOs.
On August 26th, the Ernst & Young (EY) team visited our LBTC office to discuss strategic consultation for our ongoing projects. As part of the visit, they toured the Dry Waste Collection Centre (DWCC) and some of our adopted settlements. This meeting was an invaluable opportunity to explore new insights and strategies that could amplify the effectiveness and impact of our initiatives. We look forward to leveraging their expertise in the coming months to further refine and strengthen our projects.
Building Entrepreneurs in the Community
We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with OSB on an exciting new project aimed at empowering the local community. Recently, the OSB team visited LR Nagar and Mestripalya to explore training sessions designed to upskill community workers. These sessions focused on advanced waste management techniques and provided entrepreneurial training to help workers optimize the value of waste materials.
In addition to this, we are partnering with the Marga Team, who are already running a successful three-month tailoring program for the past 4 years. This program teaches community members the art of stitching, focusing on items like blouses and saree falls. Together, we are expanding this initiative to include the creation of various products from old clothes.
This collaboration not only promotes environmental sustainability by repurposing textiles but also supports community development by offering new entrepreneurial opportunities. By integrating stitching skills with sustainable practices, we aim to enhance both individual livelihoods and environmental impact.
Nature Learning Classrooms: Expanding Green Education
On August 28th and 29th, we had the opportunity to participate in a two-day workshop hosted by Nature Educators Classrooms. This enriching experience focused on becoming an "educator" — educators who blend teaching with a deep connection to nature. We explored inquiry-based learning techniques and innovative ways to incorporate nature into every aspect of our lessons. The workshop equipped us with valuable tools to make our educational approach more engaging, environmentally conscious, and impactful.
Clay Ganapathi Workshop: Promoting Eco-Friendly Celebrations
Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is marked by the installation of Ganesha's clay idols, known as murtis, both in private homes and publicly on elaborately decorated pandals.
In celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, our organization continued its tradition of promoting eco-conscious festivities by hosting clay Ganapathi workshops at multiple locations. These sessions emphasized the importance of using sustainable materials by teaching participants how to craft their own clay idols while raising awareness about the harmful effects of plaster of Paris (POP) and artificial colors on the environment.
This year, marking our ninth consecutive year of hosting these workshops, we held events at two locations:
Tredence Inc. on 30th August, with over 30 participants. Click here to witness the event.
LBTC Office on 31st August, with more than 45 participants. Click here to witness the event.
Through these workshops, we encouraged the use of biodegradable materials, fostering a deeper sense of responsibility for celebrating in harmony with nature.
Erudition Time
The Hidden Impact of Parties and Functions
Who doesn’t love a good party or function? Celebrations bring us joy, but they also bring something we often overlook—waste. Have you ever thought about the environmental impact of all those single-use items like decorations, cutlery, and disposable tableware?
Most of these items end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and environmental degradation. Plastic decorations, plates, and cups are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. The impact of these seemingly small, joyful moments lingers long after the party ends.
But there’s good news: small changes can make a big difference! By opting for reusable or biodegradable alternatives, we can celebrate without leaving behind a trail of waste. Next time you host or attend an event, consider using sustainable decorations, reusable cutlery, and eco-friendly tableware. Simple swaps like these can turn your celebration into an eco-conscious gathering, making it just as memorable for the planet as it is for your guests!
What Do You Think About Sustainable Options?
They are essential for a healthier planet. 🌍
They're a great idea but hard to implement. 🤔
I’m not sure if they make a big difference. 🤷♂️
I prefer traditional methods and products. 🛠️
Comments