Problem:

Organic wastes contribute 50 to 60% of the total waste. Methane generated due to anaerobic decomposition of organic wastes in landfills is a highly potent GHG. Recycling of non-biodegradable wastes being a lucrative business, to some extent, keeps these materials away from landfills. However, utilizing organic waste as a potential resource, demands efforts at a macro level, something that is not currently being done at a large scale.

Solution:

I believe that waste is not waste till it is wasted; and this holds good for organic waste more than anything else. Following solution ideas illustrate simple upcycling of household organic waste:

· Fruit/vegetable peels can be sun dried or dehydrated and powdered; or leached in water. These can be used as healthy herbal teas, in soups, curries, breads and cakes for extra flavour & nutrition, to nourish potted plants, as skincare/haircare products.

· Leftover fruit/vegetable pulp after juicing can be similarly used in baked items or dishes, to thicken and to boost nutrient density. It can also be dehydrated and powdered to be stored and used when needed, to add the much-needed dietary fibre to our food, or nutrition to plants or in skincare recipes of homemade scrubs, masks and soaps.

· Daily kitchen throwaways can also be used as organic fertilizers to enrich soil. For instance, coffee grounds are an excellent source of nitrogen. Crushed eggshells can provide proteins. Banana peels are packed with potassium. The list is endless. The effect of these on growth of plants can be studied to assess the efficacy of these facts.

· Cut off heads/parts of many plants like celery, onion, carrots, potato, ginger etc. can be used to propagate the plants again. This can be tested practically to grow plants.

Using these simple but efficient solutions, we can ensure that organic waste is not wasted and does not reach the landfills. This can be implemented not only on a micro scale but also a macro scale if more and more people start to understand the benefits of upcycling organic waste.