February 20-25, 2007 - Chandigarh, UT
Every day, people in the cities of India are churning out mountains of plastic and non-biodegradable waste, which are threatening to eclipse our living spaces. Even biodegradable waste (food scraps, peels, garden clippings, etc.) are not finding their way to composting or animals’ bellies. Many of us feel overwhelmed by the scale and endlessness of this problem. We are seeking ways to transform some of this kabaad (garbage) into jugaad (useful, durable, beautiful things). We are also trying to change our own lives, to make them eco-friendly and zero waste. In this regard, we are trying to not purchase packaged foods and drinks, compost and garden at home, walk and cycle more, conserve electricity and water, support local producers, and reduce our reliance on technologies (which creates a lot of Electronic e-waste).
Many of us find inspiration in the zero waste living of most of the traditional cultures around India. They receive from Nature and return to Nature. Each and every thing is to be used and re-used, until its own unique place and purpose has been found – sometimes as a building material; other times for creative art; still other times for new useful functions. Thankfully, in small towns and villages around India, as well as with experimenters around the country, this tradition of ‘upcycling’ and zero waste living continues. But how can we expand such thinking and actions, especially in the face of globalization, development and big-city lifestyles?
From February 20-25, 2007, the Swapathgami Network would like to invite jugaadi-walas (those who make useful things from waste) and those interested in zero waste for a gathering to share and explore:
What kinds of creative and useful things are we making already out of waste? What kinds of new things can we make?
How are we connecting ‘upcycling’ with art, architecture, music, performance, farming, festivals, and many other aspects of daily life?
How can we expand our understandings around Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Regenerate, Upcycle, Unlearn, etc.?
How can we earn a healthy livelihood from our waste creations?
What kinds of things can we do in our daily lives (especially as related to our consumption) to become more zero waste?
What can we do to nurture ‘zero waste’ in our families and communities, in our organizations and workplaces, in our neighborhoods and cities?
and many other questions related to creativity, waste, nature, and our selves. A large part of the time will likely be spent creating things with our own hands. On the last day, February 25, we will have an open sharing with the citizens of Chandigarh on what they might do to create a zero waste city.
The gathering will be hosted at Nek Chand's rock garden in Chandigarh, UT. Nek Chand created a beautiful space, entirely out of natural and man-made waste. We feel honored to have the gathering in this place and to have his wise presence and leadership among us. Sukhmani Kohli (CEVA – Chandigarh), Vishal Singh (Shikshantar – Udaipur) and Shibu Nair (Thanal – Kovalam) will help to facilitate the learning exchange.
We are asking that people cover their own travel to-from Chandigarh, and also contribute Rs.300 to the cost of food, lodging, bedding, supplies, etc. The actual cost will be higher, so additional donations will welcome. The Swapathgami Network runs through the efforts and contributions of all those who wish to take their learning and living into their own hands.
Please share this invitation with friends and neighbors who are doing wonderful things with waste. They make be working with industrial waste, household waste, or the ‘waste’ of nature (i.e., coconut shells, wood shavings, corn cobs, etc.). We hope to have about 35-40 people come and share their creations, experiences, and fresh ideas. Youth, adults and children are all welcome.
Please confirm your participation with Shilpa Jain by email
