In the quiet midnight hours, when Mumbai’s streets are calm, a dedicated team collects segregated waste from 96 flats of Lok Nirmal Heights, transforming what was once a logistical challenge into a streamlined operation.
Previously plagued by inefficiencies and resident reluctance, this suburban society now reaps the rewards of its commitment to sustainable waste management.
Thanks to a partnership with a local waste management agency, ‘Green Practices’, the society not only facilitates effective waste separation but also receives nutrient-rich compost in return. This compost is a boon for their gardens, ensuring that the efforts of the residents come full circle as they cultivate their green spaces without additional costs.
“Our society has been part of this waste management initiative since 2019. Initially, dealing with waste was quite challenging, but thanks to our collaboration with the company, we’ve streamlined the process. Their team collects segregated waste at midnight, a necessity as per municipal regulations to avoid daytime traffic. This arrangement ensures efficient waste collection, and in return, we receive nutrient-rich compost, which we use to enhance the greenery around our society,” says Goutam, manager of the Lok Nirmal Society.
“The service has significantly benefited us and maintains satisfaction among residents, even saving us money on maintenance costs. It costs us less than Rs 100 per month per flat. We receive compost for free,” he adds.
This sustainable practice not only alleviates the strain on municipal waste systems but also fosters a sense of responsibility and collaboration among the residents, proving that effective waste management can be achieved when communities come together with a common purpose.
Behind this initiative is Mana Shah, who has emerged as a beacon of sustainability and change. We sat down with her to learn more about her unwavering passion for the planet.
A mission for a greener tomorrow
Born and raised in Mumbai, Mana began her journey in her family business, which managed petrol pumps. Under the guidance of her father, she climbed to the position of president, managing factory operations and service delivery.
Yet, amidst the clanking of machinery and the hum of business, she found herself yearning for more.
It was a chance encounter with the 2006 documentary film An Inconvenient Truth that set her on a transformative path. “In the theater, I just saw the title of the documentary. I didn’t understand what it was about, but I still went ahead. The documentary was a revelation. It shook me to the core with its stark presentation of climate change’s grim realities,” she shares.
“With half of the population residing along coastlines, cities like Mumbai are among the top ten most threatened by rising sea levels. Our continued dumping of massive volumes of waste into these coastal regions only accelerates the risk. Mumbai’s vulnerability to rising sea levels was a particularly haunting thought; after all, it is my home,” she adds.
This cinematic experience planted a seed — a commitment to do something meaningful in the green space. Later, a year of research took her to Auroville, where she immersed herself in the world of eco-friendly technologies. Here, she found her calling in waste management, and in 2010, she founded her own enterprise, Green Practices’.
The core of her mission is rooted in practical action. She emphasises the importance of waste segregation at the source — separating food from non-food items — a practice often overlooked but crucial for effective recycling and composting. “You think you’re throwing your waste away, but there’s no ‘away’,” she passionately explains.
Giving back compost for free
Mana’s company recycles waste, transforms organic waste into compost, and diverts tonnes of refuse from landfills to recycling centres.
“We take the segregation process a step further by dividing waste into food and non-food categories. Non-food waste is then sorted into paper, metal, plastic, glass, etc, and sent to respective recycling centres. Once our segregation is complete, the food waste is composted at our facility. By adding certain microbes, we reduce the composting time from the usual six months to just one month. We provide this nutrient-rich compost back to our clients at no charge for use in their gardens,” she explains.
“I take great pride in knowing that this waste isn’t ending up in a landfill; instead, it’s being transformed into something valuable,” she shares.
The impact of her efforts is both tangible and inspiring. With 50 societies and numerous corporate giants like Reliance and Swiggy on board, her firm manages up to 500 tonnes of waste per month.
Mumbai’s residents, once unaware of their ecological footprint, are now more conscious participants in this green revolution. For a nominal fee of Rs 100 each month, they receive personalised waste collection services and the reassurance that their waste is being handled responsibly.
Despite these successes, challenges persist. Awareness remains a significant hurdle. As Mana reflects on the disconnect between the urgency of climate issues and public consciousness, her concern is palpable. “People say I should talk positively, but I feel like shouting ‘wake up!’ It’s high time we do something for our planet,” she urges.
Undeterred, this entrepreneur continues to inspire change. Her work is more than a business — it’s a mission.
“We share this planet not just with people but with countless other forms of life. It’s important to recognise that Earth belongs to all of us. I view Mother Earth as a living soul. She’s struggling and choking. To me, she is the ultimate authority and my boss. I have to work for her,” says Mana.
As the interview draws to a close, she reflects on the satisfaction derived from her work. “I’m proud of what I do,” she says, with humility and conviction.
“Every ton of waste diverted, every community engaged — it’s a step towards a sustainable future. What began with a single community has grown to include 50 societies and numerous corporations. But a lot more needs to be done. I want to collaborate with as many societies and individuals as possible to scale up the impact,” she adds.
Edited by Megha Chowdhury; All images courtesy Green Practices
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