As World Earth Day approaches on April 22nd, environmental advocates are rallying citizens to take action in managing their waste to safeguard the planet.

"Waste management" emerges as a critical imperative in the fight to preserve Earth and its ecosystems. Individuals must reconsider their habits of waste disposal, recognizing the impact of their actions on the environment.

The Environment Life Foundation sets a commendable example with its ongoing mangrove cleanup initiative in Navi Mumbai, now entering its 192nd week. Scheduled for Sunday, April 21st, volunteers will gather at the Sarsole Karave jetty mangrove belt to commemorate Earth Day through a cleanup effort. Dharmesh Barai, the foundation's founder, urges citizens to dispose of their waste responsibly, highlighting the detrimental effects of waste accumulation on marine life and ecosystems.

Chhaya Taralekar, a noted waste management expert from Kharghar, provides practical advice on managing waste at both individual and community levels. She advocates for in-house composting of kitchen waste, emphasizing its potential to enrich soil and foster self-sufficiency. Taralekar also encourages housing societies to implement waste segregation practices and explore technologies like biogas reactors for large-scale compost production.

Environmentalists say that waste management at every level is essential for sustainable living and combating climate change and global warming. “As citizens, it is our collective responsibility to embrace environmentally conscious practices and protect the Earth for future generations,” emphasised Taralekar.