Recycling

Recycling

Recycling Efforts in Kodaikanal Township

Kodaikanal International School’s initiatives with the Recycling project began with great enthusiasm, big goals and a greater vision. What would the town of Kodaikanal look like if KIS made a concerted effort to engage local schools, hotels, shopkeepers and businesses to join together to tackle the problem of waste management in and around Kodai through education, awareness and provision of recycling bins? KIS alumnus Clarence Maloney ‘52 volunteered. He was instrumental in getting the various parties involved, sharing his vision with KFI and alumni which sparked giving.

The project began this past semester and was well underway when a shift in leadership was needed when Clarence had to return to the US unexpectedly. Dr. Rajamanikam, solid waste management consultant, was hired by KIS and on March 6th he began to carry on what Clarence had begun.

Dr. Rajamanikam reports great progress was made in March! He reports:

  • $17,307 of your donations to KFI were used by KIS for the Recycling program and the purchase of a vehicle (see picture above)
  • 13 schools and 2 civic organizations in Kodaikanal were contacted, 8 schools granted permission for immediate outreach
  • 8 schools and 1 self-help group received training
  • 2 community groups engaged in the program: the Rotary Club of Kodaikanal and the Palani Hills Conversation Council
  • 14 outreach sessions were conducted
  • 140 KIS operational staff received formal education regarding sustainable solid waste management and onsite training on waste segregation
  • 1609 participants were reached through demonstrative lectures followed by question and answer interactions
  • Tamil and English presentations were conducted according to each school’s medium of instruction
  • Students made two key decisions: 1) not to use single-use plastic carry bags and to minimize the use of plastic; and 2) to educate their family and society about how to handle and properly segregate waste

With the onset of exams in April, outreach efforts were wrapped up for the 2016/17 school year and will resume in June when Dr. Rajamanikam returns to Kodai. Dr. Rajamanikam’s reports on his work are informative and filled with interesting insight.

To read more, click on the following:

I encourage you to go through his presentations and read the reports. I am confident you will be encouraged and inspired. If you are inspired to make a donation to KFI for Service and Environmental Educational:



Gifts to other funds are also welcome. Click here for the list and select the Donate button for the project you are interested in supporting.

Truly, together we can (and ARE!) accomplishing more! The impact for good through this project is limitless.