Thursday, May 18, 2006

Odds

It started with a vague idea of joining with some trekking groups to do a cleanup when one is in the outdoors. Yet with a difference – you don’t just collect the garbage and dump – but see it to its logical end – reduce use, reuse or recycle.

When the participation from these groups was not as forthcoming as it could have been – then the option started with roping in friends with similar interests – outdoors and keeping them clean – this group started taking shape.

Against all odds – the first meeting had just four members in it.

Today we stand as group of 22 members registered on the e-group and others who have been attending our meetings or been outdoors to do the cleaning. We have four field trips under our belt. Meetings with KSTDC, Jungle Lodges and Forest Departments have been immensely satisfying. They volunteer to help us with our agenda.

Other waste management groups and organizations are willing to meet us, train us and provide that little nudge towards solving the problems of reuse and recycling.

This has been possible because of every ounce of energy that you have provided, time you have spent, ideas you have shared, experience and knowledge that you have volunteered.

Think of the odds we have surmounted – from a point where we did not know what direction this team will take – to knowing a clear plan of things to do. Milestones to achieve, targets to reach.

All this in just about three months – the first meeting was sometime in early Feb in Barista on MG Road.


Now is also not the time to rest on your laurels – as there are miles to go before we sleep.