28/06/2026
Let's face it- garbage situation in mountains is grave. We can keep arguing whether it is tourists who are responsible or the residents - that does not solve the issue. And places like Tirthan Valley which are remote and have no recycling facility nearby nor the awareness are quietly getting buried under endless packets of chips. To tackle it, we keep making big plans, move associations, scheduling meetings- but the road blocks and constraints prevent long-term changes. Because of this, most of us feel discouraged enough to not focus on the small stuff either.
So we decided to experiment with whatever we have on terms of resources and knowledge. Four library regulars were asked if they would like to exchange filled garbage bags for stationery items. They would have to take bags from us, fill it with plastic waste, get it back, get the tally noted against their name and take home their earnings- a crayon set, pencils, notebooks etc. At the end of the month, the one who brings back the most gets a schoolbag. The children quickly agreed and took bags. They were back in half an hour to claim their prize and take the next bag. AND they asked, Ma'am aur bachchey bhi kar saktey hain?'
We might soon be out of garbage bags and prizes! That's a happy shortage to have ❤️❤️❤️
Wish all of luck!
PS: as I was typing this post, the last picture that you see? Yep, the first ones brought in two more and now we have six bags within two hours.
