From Garbage to Gold
It Is Time To Break The Glass Ceiling But Don’t Throw Away The Waste! It Can Be Reused!
Riddhi Rastogi, XII D & Ayushi Goyal, X A, AIS Gurugram 43
According to a report by India Today, our country produces more than 1.50 lakh metric tonnes of solid waste every single day, 80% of which remains exposed and untreated. In merely 30 years, we have doubled the amount of waste we produce, and Gurugram, the technological hub of the country, is definitely one of the leading culprits. To hold up a mirror to such a world and make them conscious of how their garbage could be turned into gold, Samadhaan Club came into existence.
We recycle what we use
You should do it too!
To make people aware — that’s the main idea that started Samadhaan Hub, a recreational park in Gurugram, Haryana, that houses various artistic installments created purely out of waste thrown away by common folks. “85% of the waste people throw away is not actually waste, it’s a resource,” says Smita Ahuja, founder and the mastermind behind Samadhaan Hub.
“Gurugram’s waste has steadily increased in the last ten years, and it is not a problem that an individual can solve, which is why we created something where each citizen can contribute their ‘waste’ which would end up being the asset.” The team installed three large bins for separate items at various residential areas, schools, offices etc. which asks for garbage items made of plastic, glass, metal, and e-waste.
Thought-provoking messages were put around the dustbin to sensitise towards waste generation. The team also got in touch with local scrap dealers, and after 15 days, they had enough material to create their masterpieces.
Glass, paper, plastic, tin
All go in the recycling bin!
From well-established architects to young artists, from students to corporate employees, from local citizens to RWAs, the spirit of community was carry-forwarded even whilst creating the installments out of the waste collected. “A lot of people were uncomfortable touching waste initially, but once they truly connected to our message, the process began, and we were able to finish our project,” reminisces Ahuja. It is only with this dedication that the park, which was once thought to be a weird concept, now enjoys the attendance of at least 400–500 people a month.
“Everything in the park is made out of waste, whether the art pieces or the pathway, and that has only been possible because of everyone’s involvement. Our city needs multiple Samadhaan Hubs so none of the dry waste, which can be a resource, ends up clogging landfills. To spread awareness about the same, we even conduct regular workshops here called Upaaygiri on waste management. which cater to all groups, and even online sessions that promote waste segregation and recycling.”
The mountain of garbage blooms
Up to us to save Earth from doom!
“Put simply, the park is an aid to help you understand the problem and find the solution. We use as much waste as we can, and give up the remaining for recycling. From PVC to soft plastics, clothes, shoes, utensils, everything is sent to be reused, whether in the fashion industry by companies like H&M and Adidas, or to make sanitary napkins for the underprivileged.
We use art to send our message across to the world, because when people look at the Toxic Chamber, one of our installations, they can hardly believe that it is five years worth of plastic waste from just one family. When you see something like that, it makes you realise your own actions. ” From nature we came, and to it we shall return, and it is with the same message that
Samadhaan Hub continues to make Gurugram, India, and this world a cleaner place, one recyclable waste at a time.
Ayushi Jain
Meet Ayushi Jain, a student of grade 10 in Amity International School, Gurugram Sector 43, India. The sub editor of her school, she finds her penchant in interviewing those who are committed towards bringing a social change. She is also actively involved with Protect Your Mom, and organization working towards breast cancer awareness. When not writing, Ayushi is busy grooving to John Lennon and The Beatles.
Riddhi Rastogi
Riddhi Rastogi, is a high school student and the editor-in-chief of AIS Gurugram 43’s branch of her school newspaper, The Global Times. She is an enthusiastic reader and is very passionate about writing on the important issues that surround mankind. She’s the Secretary of her school Interact Club and has helped organise webinars on digital awareness and mental health during the pandemic.
