Be the change: 'Wake up and Clean up Kochi'

KOCHI: The war against garbage in the city received a shot in the arm with schoolchildren and residents pledging their support to The Times of India's 'Wake up and Clean up Kochi' campaign on Wednesday.
In separate interactive sessions, students and residents promised to be the change that they seek and spread the message to adopt sustainable waste treatment systems.Reminding citizens and local bodies that it was time to sort out their differences and focus on putting in place an effective waste management system, Suchitwa Mission's executive director K Vasuki said, "Either you choose to act or you choose to blame. You are not doing a favour for the society. You are doing a favour to yourself and your future."
In the seminar held at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Vaduthala, students from 18 schools in the city promised to assist the process.
Speaking to students, Vasuki described the inefficient waste management system as a cultural issue, and said that there was no lack of technology or cash. But, there was something "inherently wrong in our attitude".
She encouraged students to take up the task of creating awareness and promoting segregation of waste into wet and dry waste, and provide non-degradable waste for recycling.
While addressing residents associations in the evening, she admitted that the government and authorities "have failed to put in place an effective waste management system".
She requested people to own up the responsibility of waste that they generate in their homes. "We (government) cannot accomplish everything", but if residents take up the initiative "we will help you and support you".
Representatives of member associations belonging to Ernakulam District Residents' Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) and Residents' Association Apex Council, Ernakulam (RACE), presented their proposals and suggestions to Suchitwa Mission. Experts in waste management and non-government organisations such as Rajagiri Outreach and the Centre for Public Policy and Research also participated in the seminar held at the conference hall of Yashoram Buildings.
(Watch this space for solutions proposed by children to manage waste on Friday and the residents' response to TOI initiative on Saturday)