Wiser With Waste, Planet J Workshop

Waste Wise, Workshop 1 on ' Waste Management' was organized by Planet J and conducted by TERI (The Energy and Resources Institute) on June 30, 2012 at Dempo House, Panaji. Children in the age group of 12-16 years, from schools all over Goa participated in this very informative workshop.

It was heartening to see children from far off places like Sanquelim, Siolim and Margao all rushing to apply and become a part of the workshop.
The goal of the workshop was to take up the 'most-favoured' options in the waste management
hierarchy - namely-Reduction and Segregation.
The issue of lifestyles and consumerism was discussed through the screening of a film, discussion, and slide presentation. An activity that highlighted the differentiation between 'needs' and 'wants' was conducted to drive home the point how this can play a key role in reducing the amount we consume and
thus the amount of waste generated on a daily basis. This session focussed completely on 'reduction at source'.
The second session then took the next best option of segregation at source in detail. A film followed by a group discussion, slide presentation and hands-on exercise on segregation was conducted with the students.  A hands-on segregation exercise was conducted with the students to reinforce the concepts covered earlier in the session.
The 3-hour session ended with distribution of certificates of participation to all students.
This was the first workshop I attended conducted by Planet J and it was a good experience. It was very informative and very well conducted. I really enjoyed the presentations and the short clips were an an eye opener that we need to do something for our environment as we got to see the deteriorated state of our country which many of us were unaware of . I have learnt a lot of things and am looking forward to more workshops!
Evita Rodrigues, Std VIII, Sharada Mandir, Miramar
I felt the workshop was very informative. The two movies which were shown to us were very touching. They made me aware about the waste we generate every day knowingly or unknowingly. The resource persons kept us glued to our seats all the time involving us in the show.  I am looking forward to similar workshops from Planet J team which will involve recycling ,composting etc.   Thank you Planet J for a lovely informative evening on 30th June.”
Sharwi Khawte, Std IX, AJ De Almieda, Ponda
The workshop was good. It opened my eyes to the fact that I should not only think about solving the problem regarding waste but should first do something about reducing it.”
Juhi Kumari, Std X, Santa Cruz High School

This being my first time attending a Planet J workshop, I really did not know what to expect.The 2 speakers for the day, gave us a lot of information on the subject of Waste Management, particularly in detail about Reduction of waste and Segregation.The new thing I learnt was that we should not wait for the waste to be generated and then be treated; instead we must reduce the generation of waste.  The 2 documentaries screened during the workshop were amazing, they really made me think about the adage “one man's waste is another man's treasure”. I really enjoyed this Workshop and I hope to be part of future events.”
 
Greyno Menezes, Std X, Don Bosco High School Panjim
The workshop was interesting as it was interactive. The films were fun and useful to watch. The Faculty members were kind, clear in their explanations and helpful in answering our questions. The arrangements for seating, sound, projection, cooling, refreshments, certificate awarding, toilets, etc, were very good and thoughtful. I am looking forward to the next workshop on the same theme which would take us to waste-dumping sites, etc, and I am sure to apply to be part of that exercise also. I am going to spread awareness of what I learnt among my friends, neighbours and school-mates. Thank you, Madam, for arranging the workshop, and thank TERI for me as well.”
  Vishesh R, Kulkarni, Std VIII, People’s School, Panaji
I had attended the workshop first time. It was great, everything was super. I learnt many things from this workshop. I will tell all my classmates about this workshop. Thanks a lot for giving me such an opportunity......... I will really spread this information to many people. Thanks a lot to planet j team.”
Ankit Mishra, Std VII, Keshav Smruti School,Dabolim
I found the workshop very interesting. It was a real eye opener and I am looking forward to the future seminars in which we are taught how to recycle and compost our waste. When they teach us to compost and recycle it would be nice if they give us a sheet of pointers or give us ample time to make notes. I did not like the snacks much as they were a little soggy.”
Dana Cardoso, Std X, Our Lady of the Rosary, Dona Paula
The waste management workshop was both informative as well as enjoyable. While I was always aware of the need for waste management, I am now aware of the scope of waste and waste management. In all honesty, I didn't think of myself as a waste generator and spent more time accusing people of littering rather than actually checking myself. This workshop showed me that I probably litter too, just not directly. I sincerely hope that there will be more such workshops because it adds a real life perspective to what we have been learning in environmental education and is therefore an important part of our education.”
Victoria Lobo, Std X, Sharada Mandir School, Miramar
It was very exciting and interesting! I learnt that the main reason of waste is our wants. I will try  to control my wants and only  buy what is needed.
 Agnes Pinto, Std X, Regina Mundi High School
The workshop I attended was very informative and knowledgeable. I  am trying to do my best ,first from my home by segregating the dry and wet waste.... and also trying to convince my neighbours in the colony. Looking forward for another workshop.
Saelig Godinho, Std X, Multi Purpose School, Margao
The workshop/presentation was very informative, engaging and we all had plenty of fun. We watched some touching movies and at the end of the workshop, we were all busy thinking of how we were going to implement the knowledge imparted to us by the wonderful researchers at TERI. As usual, Planet J did a fantastic job of the organization of the event and I hope they keep up the good work.
Cyrus Pereira, Std. X Rosary School, Miramar
I would like to thank you for organizing the waste management workshop.  After attending this workshop I have learnt a lot. Do let me know about future workshops so that I can bring in more students for you, so that others who do not know about these types of workshop will also learn and get knowledge through your workshops.
Abhishek Narvekar
The workshop was really great and I have learnt quite a lot. I hope that more and more children become aware of such workshops and attend them. The two resource people from The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI), were really different.  They did not just stand in one place and lecture to us like others who make such presentations.  They interacted with us and made the session interesting and fun to participate in.It was also inspiring to see so many children who were there to SAVE GOA and the planet. Thanks to the Planet J Team for this great effort in organising the program. 
Suhail Kiran, Std X, Saligao
I felt the workshop was very informative. The two movies which were shown to us were very touching. They made me aware about the waste we generate every day  knowingly or unknowingly. The resource persons which were presenting kept us glued to our seats all the time involving us in the show.Since in this workshop we learnt only about the steps regarding reducing the garbage. I am looking forward to similar workshops from Planet J team which will involve recycling ,composting etc.
Sharwi Khawte, Std IX, AJ De Almeida School, Ponda
The program was very good and helpful to me. I have explained all the topics to my friends in my
school. Kindly let me know if you organise such program in near future.
Shreya Naik, K B Hedgewar high school