| Summary |
The CGR self help Group was formed in 1995 by the residents of Maringo Estate in Nairobi to address the problem of poorly disposed waste in the area. The mountains of domestic waste had become a breeding ground for harmful insects and rodents. Apart from being an environmental disaster, the rotting garbage threatened residents with a disease outbreak. CGR was accorded government recognition through formal registration, to mobilize the residents' support in domestic waste management. The mission of CGR is to build the capacity for the community for environment conservation through waste recycling.
Hundred of tones of domestic waste from households in the Eastlands area of Nairobi is collected and separated manually into organic and inorganic categories. The organic waste decomposes to make organic fertilizer. Inorganic wastes are sold as raw materials for recycled materials such as polythene bags, plastic containers, metals, glasses and papers. The remaining 25% of the wastes (dirty cartons, sisal, paper, thread and clothing) are used to make cheap mattresses, as well as energy-saving briquettes. The organic fertilizer made is sold to local farmers to replenish nutrients to depleted soils.
The briquettes, which are cheap, are used as an alternative to wood fuel and charcoal thus saving our natural forests. The initiative has benefited over 3000 people living in Eastlands through the creation of employment opportunities, conservation of natural forests, prevention of air and water borne disease and improved physical environment. This waste recycling initiative, if, replicated in other estates/municipalities will contribute to poverty eradication, reduce unemployment, as well as save the Nairobi City Council meager resources for use in other social services e.g. in the rehabilitation of urban infrastructure.
Community involvement in waste-management is a sustainable way of keeping cities like Nairobi clean and environmentally friendly. The campaign that CGR has done in showing the communities that "Garbage is Money", is accelerating the process.
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