karo Sambhav

 On May 19th, 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change released a new draft of the e-waste management rules. The draft, although a renewed version of the rules stated in 2016, was made public for reviews and feedback. The webinar organized by Karo Sambhav, in association with GIZ India, commenced with a serious analysis of the need for the proposed draft on e-waste management rules 2022. Mr Pranshu Singhal, the notable founder of Karo Sabhav, resumed the session by raising a few questions for the panellists present. To begin with, Pranshu explained how the  e-waste management  rules of 2016 highlighted the importance of following a strategic approach to channel e-waste in a sound way. The role of consumers and the responsibility of producers and dismantlers in waste management was well outlined by the prior set of rules. Besides, the E-waste management rules, 2016 also suggested the importance and the urgency of establishing collection centres for an ...

  The importance of enabling circular economy has been a subject of discussion for years now. The country has introduced laws to manage and limit the waste created, also known as EPR or Extended Producer Responsibility. Besides enacting laws to limit and tackle the growing quantum of waste, it is crucial for countries to encourage a better adoption of circular economy across the value chain. However, the 62 million tonnes of solid waste generated in India every year clearly proves that the right implementation of circular economy or EPR is somewhere missing.  In a recently hosted webinar by Karo Sambhav in collaboration with GIZ India, the challenges barring the successful implementation of  EPR  were narrated extensively. The webinar witnessed participation by a profound group of panellists from the high ranks of the industry and government bodies. Before we share the limelight on the minutes of the webinar, let us first clear the air around EPR.  So,...

  The significance of circular economy is not unknown. While India is gradually transitioning towards circular economy, it is driving sustainability and economic growth. What’s more, the World Economic Forum predicts that circular economy paves the way for over 50 million careers. In addition to economic growth, circular economy principles have made an enormous market for job seekers too. Are you curious to know more about the job market that circular economy intends to create? Let’s read:   Material sorters Design specialists for repurposing materials  Repair technicians to repair and maintain products  Specialists in refurbishing and upgrading used products  Craftsmen with skills in metalworking Sustainable materials expert Circular product designers  Supply chain managers, and more.   Can you imagine a future where all used materials and broken products are easily upcycled and processed for further use? There wouldn’t be any waste piling ...

Did you know that the demand for batteries has exponentially grown over the years? And why not? The growing demand stems from the fact that the consumption of electronic appliances and battery-powered goods has increased aggressively with time. These electronics include Smartphones, digital cameras, laptops, automobiles, and more. In fact, the Global e-waste monitor reports that the world produces over 53.6 million metric tonnes of battery waste every year. Of course, the number is ascending, making it all the more important to establish stringent  battery rules  to turn down the ratio of battery waste.  Ever wondered why batteries stand out as a preferred source of power? Music players, cars, or everyday appliances, the utility of batteries is truly indispensable in the present age. Here’s why:  Batteries are light-weight and portable  It ensures longer storage of energy or power.  In short, batteries are devices that store chemical energy and efficiently ...

  Electrical appliances or automobiles, power backup or hearing aids, batteries are the primary sources of power for most things we use today. This quite explains why India generates over 50,000 tonnes of battery waste every year. Do you know how many of these batteries end up in landfills? Almost 95%! Surprising but true, only 5% of the spent batteries are appropriately recycled. Little do we realize that batteries are hazardous waste. The lithium deposits and the toxic components in batteries like arsenic, lead, nickel, and dimethoxyethane pose severe environmental risks. Besides, did you know that India is greatly dependent on imports for its energy transition? This is certainly an economic setback. Also, did you know that India is expected to stand out as the third-largest market for energy storage by 2040? Thus, implementing foundational battery rules   is important to manage the overwhelming ratios of battery waste. Mishandling the spent batteries is threatening to the e...

  Plastic serves as a primary material in the packaging industry. Do you agree? Unfortunately, the growing volumes of packaging materials increase toxicity and environmental pollution. This is why the government introduced packaging Extended Producer Responsibility India to make producers significantly responsible for the packaging they continue to impose on the market and manage and delve deeper into its end-of-life. Simply put, EPR is an environmental policy or regulation implemented under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The policy vests entrepreneurs, manufacturers and importers the responsibility to process their plastic packaging waste via recycling, reusing, or rethinking the end-of-life disposal of plastic packaging. Did you know there are ample ways to reprocess plastic waste into energy or industrial composting? Besides, end-of-life plastic components can be utilised in construction and road-making. In short, EPR India in packaging aims to make producers, impo...

Have you been thinking if proactive measures are put in action to minimise plastic waste in the country? India generates over 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. These plastics are a threat to the ecosystem and have a significant impact on the land, oceans, and biodiversity. Moreover, it is not unknown that plastics are mostly non-biodegradable. Thus, whatever plastics are disposed of in landfills remains intact, contaminating the environment. Do you know how much plastic remains untreated and piling up in landfills? Almost 9400 tonnes of plastic. The number is quite alarming. Hence,  Plastic Waste Management  Rules, 2016 in India clearly notified the various stakeholders of the society, such as bulk consumers, retailers, government bodies, entrepreneurs, producers, and others, to work on the following things:  Segregate plastic waste Recycle and reuse plastic components as much as possible Prohibit recyclable plastics to keep stacking in the waste stream...