Mumbai Sustainability Centre

In November 2020, amid the pandemic’s challenges, we embarked on a journey to support sustainable farming through an initiative with Prem Chavan, a young associate from our waste management project who became unemployed. Prem, from Marathwada—India’s "dal bowl" but a region often struggling with agricultural challenges—returned to his village in Hingoli District with our support to establish a dal mill. This initiative empowers farmers by procuring dal at prices above MSP, selling directly to conscious consumers in Mumbai, and promoting positive change through ethical purchasing choices, ensuring fair income and sustainable practices.

In partnership with JSW Foundation, we implemented pioneering waste management systems in two village clusters, Vasind and Dolvi, within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. These initiatives provide practical models to tackle waste management challenges, addressing issues such as overflowing bins, open burning, and littered roads. Engaging over 1000 families per village, the projects offer scalable solutions to rural waste management, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. Alongside creating employment, they support multiple SDG goals and have garnered community appreciation, setting an inspiring example for other villages to emulate.

The Jawhar Ecology Centre, initiated in 2016 following an exploration of the region in 2015, is dedicated to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Northern Western Ghats. This program aims to protect the forests from growing threats, including firewood cutting, grazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Through conservation efforts, the Centre works to safeguard not only the ecological value but also the inherent beauty of these forests. By engaging with local communities and implementing sustainable practices, the project promotes ecological resilience and long-term sustainability in this precious landscape.

The Safai Bank program empowers students to manage multi-laminated packaging waste, promoting responsible waste disposal within families and easing the burden on city authorities. Like a regular bank, Safai Bank has branches in educational institutes where students can open accounts and deposit their waste weekly. Each branch, open once a week, provides a designated space for deposits and storage. Monthly, the waste is collected, transported to a City Depot, sorted, and prepared for eco-friendly disposal. An IT system tracks deposits, offering students access to an e-passbook, while branch managers maintain accurate records.