Zero Waste Events

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HSR being a large community has many events bringing the community together - at temples, HSR's stadium and other public halls and open spaces. These events typically generate a lot of waste - in the form of plastic plates and single use arecnut plates in which the food is served.  Water is usually served in single use plastic or paper cups. The amount of waste generated at the end of the event is humungous! 

Typically these single use disposables end up in a landfill, since they are not fit for recycling. Arecnut plates take a large amount of time to compost - leave alone the energy spent in manufacturing these plates. HCF is committed to reducing this waste that pollutes the earth - its air, water and soil. 

• HSR Citizen Forum begins by making a very important connect with the organizers of the event. 
• We offer a solution that promises zero waste at the end of the event.
• We meet the organizers and present a plan that is workable and offer volunteer support to make the event successful. 
• Initial apprehensions from the organizers are generally overcome by presenting other events that were conducted successfully.
• Ultimately there is full cooperation - mainly because everyone is convinced of reducing the waste and litter that pile up at the end of the event, and their responsibility to reduce the burden on our mother earth!

• We understand the footfall for the event and estimate the number of steel plates and cups needed, to maintain smooth flow.
• We connect with plate banks like Adamya Chetana or Swakrutha Charitable Trust and source the needed cutlery.
• We also take help from BBMP and temple staff to  clean the plates and bring it seamlessly back into circulation.
• Typically bioenzyme mixed with soapnut is used for cleaning the cutlery, so the chemicals of dish cleaners do not load the sewage system too.
• The HCF volunteers oversee the operation, and also help with logistics of cutlery delivery and return, monitoring that they are safe.
• Volunteers also manage the crowd, and keep urging people to take just as much food they need, and to avoid food waste.
• The plates and other cutlery are washed, wiped, and accounted - to initiate the return process
• Small food waste that remains is collected separately for organic waste composting.
• Any decorative items like flowers are collected separately for pick up by BBMP for composting