What inspired you to start Paperman? We all say ‘throw away’, but where is this ‘away’? The rise in disposable income in our country has led to a drastic increase in consumption; and higher consumption leads to more wastage. We see recycling as a process of creating better product cycles. Stronger product cycles will make trash a resource. This thought inspired me to start Paperman. Since 2010, we have worked on many projects to re-engineer the idea of throwing away, and today we are collaborating with 1000-odd homes, schools, and organisations to make recycling a sustainable activity in Chennai.
What’s your take on the Swachch Bharat Abhiyan? The movement shows great intent and sets the mood for a cleaner country. This should now grow to the next level with a focus on more strategic projects and policies that will help create holistic and sustainable solutions.
Where does Chennai stand in terms of waste management and recycling initiatives?
In Chennai, people are quite aware of waste management, but we are hesitant to take independent action. What’s heartening is that there is great motivation among communities and resident welfare associations (RWA) to create zero waste initiatives in their localities.
What needs to be done to make our city cleaner and greener?
Today, you can create a cleaner and greener city in a very short time by investing money, but what about the waste accumulated in the process? Dumping it in some other location is not the solution. The larger issue is managing the waste.
What are Paperman’s future plans?
We have started a recycle helpline (+91 8015269831) for people in Chennai to recycle from their doorstep at no cost. We have tied up with 150-plus wastepaper mart shops in the city and are helping them become waste entrepreneurs. Trash is the new cash — today we are helping 15 NGOs in Chennai raise funds from trash. We look forward to taking this message to more homes, institutions and organisations in the city and help them make a measurable environmental and social impact.
