About 1000 students will participate in a week-long initiative, as part of the second year of Green Apple Day of Service
BANGALORE: Reinforcing its commitment towards promoting a healthy environment and solid waste management practices, Caterpillar Foundation, the social arm of construction and mining equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar has joined hands with Global Communities and Centre for Social Action – Christ University to sensitize and educate schools and colleges in Bangalore on eco-friendly practices including safe disposal of waste, source segregation and tree plantation. The week-long awareness campaign from 24th -28th September is part of the 2nd edition of Green Apple Day of Service, a day dedicated to sensitize communities on creating healthy and sustainable schools.
The launch of the second year Green Apple day of Service will kick-start with a rally and street play in Rajendra Nagar and L. R Nagar slums to sensitize local community on environment and hygiene practices. The program will be inaugurated by Sidde Gowda, Chief Engineer from Bruhat Bangalore MahanagaraPalike (BBMP). The ward President of Neelasandra Ward (Ward No:116) will also be present. CSA Eco-club students will take a lead to spread awareness and distribute paper bags to encourage households to use reusable bags. A week long activities will also include tree plantation drive, orientation of students on eco-conservation and E waste, exposure visit to Christ University’s zero waste campus as well as Green Building and Mural painting at a Dry Waste Collection Centre in Jayanagar by Caterpillar Volunteers.
Mr. Ajay Shankar, Country Manager, CaterpillarIndia said, “Caterpillar Foundation has been actively involved in creating a sustainable environment in India through multiple programmes. We earnestly believe that Youth form the most vibrant and dynamic segment of a country’s population. They are a key segment of the society and are an important source of creativity. We take pride in supporting such inspiring programmes which adhere to their learning and also help in tapping their constructive energies, he said”.
We are committed to providing facilities and benefits to local communities we operate in, said, Ranjit Ambastha, Program Director, Global Communities. Bangalore has been grappling with the problem of waste and produces 3,000 metric tons a day, which winds up in landfills resulting in tremendous transportation costs for the local government and degraded living environments for the communities that live near these landfills. Our effort is to sensitize citizens and communities to be cognizant of the environment they live in and follow a well-organized waste management system. We take pride in partnering with institutions such as Caterpillar Foundation and Centre for Social Action who continue to support us in our endeavour, he added”.
The Green Apple Day of Service programme in its second consecutive year in India is active in 6 schools and 6 colleges in Bangalore where students will be taught various waste management practices and activities such as painting, quiz competition, exposure visit to paper unit and composting techniques to keep the environment message alive in their hearts and minds.
Green Apple Day of Service
Green Apple Day of Service is an initiative of the center for green school at USGBC to put children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breath, where energy and resources are conserved and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter and healthier future. Last year approximately 169,000 volunteers globally participated in more than 1,250 service projects in 49 countries around the world to make schools healthier and more sustainable places to learn.
CSA, Christ University
Centre for Social Action (CSA), is a ‘Students Movement for a Humane and Just Society’ where student communities are sensitized on various issues affecting the poor and the marginalized sections of society. Established in 1999, CSA works towards promoting social responsibility values amongst the student community. With the support of volunteers, faculty and full time development professionals, CSA is strongly engaged in addressing issues related to child rights, socio-economic development of women, youths and farmers, livelihood, community mobilization and environment/climate change issues.
Global communities-India
Founded in 1952, Global communities, formerly known as CHF International – serve millions of people each year, empowering them to improve their lives and livelihoods for a better future. Global Communities’ mission is to be a catalyst for long-lasting positive change in low and moderate income communities around the world, helping them improve their social, economic and environmental conditions. Its reputation is built on the strong relationships they have with the communities they serve – engaging and involving them throughout the development process through a unique methodology that keeps control and ownership in their hands.
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