SEWA Project

Reduce, Recycle, Reuse and

Respect

Introduction - What is Sewa?:

SEWA that is “Social Empowerment through Work, Education and
Action” refers to the process of empowering individuals or communities by
providing them opportunities for employment, education and participation in
social and political activities.
This aims to enhance people capabilities, confidence and agency to effect
positive change in their lives and communities. It recognizes the importance
of addressing structural inequalities and promoting inclusive development
through holistic interventions that address economic, educational, and social
dimensions of empowerment.
The objectives of social empowerment through work, education and
action may include:
1. Promoting Economic Independence
2. Increasing Access to Education
3. Fostering Social Inclusion
4. Strengthening Community Cohesion
5. Advancing Social Justice
The philosophy behind social empowerment through work, education and
action is rooted in principles of human dignity, equality and justice. This
philosophy is deeply committed to social justice and equity. It acknowledges
the systematic inequalities and injustices exist within societies and aims to
address them through structural change and collective action. It advocates
for redistribution of resources opportunities and the power to ensure fairness
and inclusion for all members of society, particularly those who are
marginalized or disadvantaged.

Objectives:

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 1. Learn about the original source of material goods such as glass,
aluminum, iron, paper, plastic, petroleum, coal.
2. Learn the importance of segregating garbage.
3. Learn which materials can be recycled.
4. Learn to coordinate between plan and action, within the volunteer
group as well as with the target group.
5. Find new ways of cooperating with each other.
6. Learn social skills and ability to solve problems in a group.
7. Understand the importance of conserving resources.
8. Explore and internalize the importance of Reduce, Recycle, Reuse.
9. Learn to use resources judiciously.

The SEWA Promise form & Mentor’s Observation

Sheet:
Meaning of RECYCLING:
Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials
and objects. This concept often includes the recovery of energy from waste
materials. The recyclability of a material depends on its ability to reacquire
the properties it had in its original state.[1] It is an alternative to
"conventional" waste disposal that can save material and help
lower greenhouse gas emissions. It can also prevent the waste of potentially
useful materials and reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials,
reducing energy use, air pollution (from incineration) and water
pollution (from landfilling).
Recycling is a key component of modern waste reduction and is the third
component of the "Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle" waste hierarchy.[2][3] It
promotes environmental sustainability by removing raw material input and
redirecting waste output in the economic system.
Recyclable materials include many kinds of glass, paper, cardboard, metal,
plastic, tires, textiles, batteries, and electronics. The composting and other
reuse of biodegradable waste—such as food and garden waste—is also a
form of recycling.[5] Materials for recycling are either delivered to a household
recycling center or picked up from curbside bins, then sorted, cleaned, and
reprocessed into new materials for manufacturing new products.
In ideal implementations, recycling a material produces a fresh supply of the
same material—for example, used office paper would be converted into new
office paper, and used polystyrene foam into new polystyrene. Some types of
materials, such as metal cans, can be remanufactured repeatedly without

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losing their purity.[6] With other materials, this is often difficult or too
expensive (compared with producing the same product from raw materials or
other sources), so "recycling" of many products and materials involves
their reuse in producing different materials (for example, paperboard).
Another form of recycling is the salvage of constituent materials from
complex products, due to either their intrinsic value (such as lead from car
batteries and gold from printed circuit boards), or their hazardous nature
(e.g. removal and reuse of mercury from thermometers and thermostats).

The need for REUSE:

Reuse is the action or practice of using an item, whether for its original
purpose (conventional reuse) or to fulfill a different function (creative
reuse or repurposing). Reuse—by taking, but not reprocessing, previously
used items—helps save time, money, energy and resources. In broader
economic terms, it can make quality products available to people and
organizations with limited means, while generating jobs and business activity
that contribute to the economy.
One way to address this is to increase product longevity; either by extending
a product's first life or addressing issues of repair, reuse and recycling.
[2]
Reusing products, and therefore extending the use of that item beyond the
point where it is discarded by its first user is preferable to recycling or
disposal,[3] as this is the least energy intensive solution, although it is often
overlooked. If targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are to be
reached, then reuse needs to be included as part of a whole life cycle
approach.
Reuse has several advantages over recycling:
 saves or delays purchasing and disposal costs
 conserves resources
 reduces the waste stream
 causes less pollution than recycling or making new products from
virgin materials
 makes needed items available to those who can’t afford to buy them
new
 Reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change
 Stopping waste before it starts
 Preventing litter and plastic pollution in the environment
 Job creation through building the reuse economy

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The process of reuse begins with the attitude that products and materials
have usefulness beyond the owner’s original intention. Reuse means
minimizing waste and maximizing resources, and this translates into getting
more for your money whether you are an individual, household, business,
institution, government agency, or industry.
Reusing allows you to take responsibility for the waste you create. Using your
imagination to create what you want from what you have is self-empowering
and rewarding. You can feel good about saving money and resources.

Does it help in easy disposal if the garbage is

segregated:
Yes, segregating garbage significantly aids in easier and more efficient
disposal. Here are several reasons why garbage segregation is beneficial:
1. Improved Recycling Rates
 Facilitates Recycling: When waste is sorted into categories (e.g.,
recyclables, organic waste, hazardous waste), it becomes easier to
process materials for recycling. Clean, sorted materials are more
valuable and easier to handle.
2. Reduction of Landfill Waste
 Minimizes Contamination: Segregation helps prevent recyclable or
compostable materials from ending up in landfills, reducing the overall
waste that requires disposal.
3. Enhanced Waste Management
 Targeted Disposal Methods: Different types of waste require different
disposal methods. Segregation allows waste management systems to
apply appropriate techniques for each type, such as composting for
organic waste or safe handling for hazardous materials.
4. Environmental Benefits
 Less Pollution: Proper segregation reduces the risk of pollution caused
by hazardous materials leaching into the environment and promotes
more efficient waste processing.
5. Cost-Effectiveness
 Lower Disposal Costs: By reducing the volume of waste sent to landfills
and increasing recycling rates, segregation can lead to lower waste
management costs for municipalities and businesses.
6. Public Awareness and Responsibility

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  Encourages Sustainable Practices: Segregating waste fosters
awareness about waste generation and encourages individuals and
communities to adopt more sustainable practices.
Garbage segregation is crucial for efficient disposal, promoting recycling,
reducing landfill waste, and minimizing environmental impact. By
implementing effective segregation practices, communities can improve
their waste management systems and contribute to a healthier planet.

Why do some materials need to be recycled while

others cannot?:
Some materials need to be recycled while others cannot due to various
factors related to their physical properties, economic viability, and
environmental considerations. Here are the key reasons:
1. Material Properties
 Degradation: Some materials, like certain types of paper and plastics,
can degrade during recycling processes, making them unsuitable for
reuse.
 Contamination: Materials that are heavily contaminated (e.g., greasy
pizza boxes) may not be recyclable because they can compromise the
quality of recycled products.
2. Economic Feasibility
 Cost of Recycling: Recycling certain materials may be more expensive
than producing new products from raw materials, making it
economically unfeasible.
 Market Demand: If there’s little demand for recycled materials, it may
not be worth the effort and cost to recycle them.
3. Lack of Infrastructure
 Recycling Facilities: Not all materials have the necessary infrastructure
for recycling in a given area. For example, some specialized plastics
may not have local facilities that can process them.
4. Health and Safety Concerns
 Hazardous Materials: Items like batteries or electronics may contain
toxic substances that require special handling, making their recycling
more complex and less common.
5. Technological Limitations

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  Processing Challenges: Some materials are difficult to separate or
process, such as composite materials, which can complicate recycling
efforts.
Recycling is essential for sustainability, but the ability to recycle materials
varies based on their properties, economic factors, and existing
infrastructure. Continued advancements in recycling technology and
practices aim to expand the range of materials that can be effectively
recycled, helping to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Why does man need to control greed and utilize

Mother Earth’s resources thoughtfully:
Controlling greed and utilizing Mother Earth’s resources thoughtfully is
crucial for several reasons:
1. Sustainability
 Finite Resources: Many natural resources are limited.
Overexploitation leads to depletion, threatening future generations'
ability to meet their needs.
 Ecosystem Balance: Greed-driven consumption disrupts ecosystems,
leading to loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, and imbalances that
can affect entire species, including humans.
2. Environmental Protection
 Pollution Reduction: Thoughtful resource use minimizes waste and
pollution, which harm air, water, and soil quality.
 Climate Change Mitigation: Unsustainable practices contribute to
climate change. By managing resources wisely, we can reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts.
3. Economic Stability
 Long-term Viability: Sustainable resource management fosters
economic stability. Overexploitation can lead to shortages, price
volatility, and economic crises.
 Job Creation: Investing in sustainable practices creates jobs in green
technologies, renewable energy, and conservation efforts.
4. Social Equity
 Fair Distribution: Greed often leads to inequality in resource
distribution. Thoughtful utilization promotes fair access to resources for
all, enhancing social justice.

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  Community Well-being: Sustainable practices support healthy
communities by ensuring access to clean water, air, and a stable food
supply.
5. Ethical Responsibility
 Interconnectedness: Humans are part of a larger ecological system.
Acting responsibly toward the environment acknowledges our
connection to all living beings.
 Legacy for Future Generations: Making thoughtful decisions about
resource use reflects a commitment to leaving a healthy planet for
future generations.
Controlling greed and utilizing Earth’s resources thoughtfully are essential for
achieving a sustainable future. By embracing responsible consumption and
stewardship, we can protect the planet, ensure social equity, and foster a
balanced coexistence with nature, benefiting both current and future
generations.

Conclusion:
“There is enough on this earth for everyone’s need but for no one’s
greed.”
By Mahatma Gandhi
In conclusion, the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect form a
holistic approach to sustainable living and environmental stewardship.
Reduce emphasizes minimizing waste generation and consumption, helping
conserve resources and energy while lowering our ecological footprint.
Reuse encourages extending the life of products, which not only cuts down
on waste but also fosters creativity and community engagement.
Recycle transforms waste into valuable resources, promoting a circular
economy that reduces landfill use and environmental pollution.
Respect underscores the importance of valuing our planet and its resources,
encouraging mindful consumption and responsible waste management.
Together, these principles empower individuals and communities to actively
participate in protecting the environment, fostering a culture of sustainability
that benefits both current and future generations. By integrating these
practices into our daily lives, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more
sustainable world for all.

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