MACFAST Model

Development of Model Clean and Green Campus at MACFAST

As part of the project Clean and Green City Tiruvalla - a task undertaken by Radio MACFAST, development of a model campus with the vision of ‘to make a Model Campus that is Waste-free, Green and Healthy’ has been envisaged. It plans to demonstrate different sustainable practices in waste management, energy conservation and resource utilization so that the same can be replicated by any institution as well as stake holders. Now it is already implemented. With the title ‘Clean and Green Campus’ and with a caption ‘Think big think green’- it has paved a smooth way to cultivate good environmental practices/habits in students and staff through various systematic and scientific methods. While encapsulating this initiative, its objectives are as following:

o   Energy Conservation and Management

o   Water Conservation and Control of Water Quality

o   Control of Air Quality and Sound/Noise

o   Management of Social, Ethical and Cultural Environment

o   Displaying environmental conservation themes

o   Regular Sessions/brain storming on environmental importance

o   Implementing/Practicing ideal models

o   Effective utilization of land by initiating organic farming, herbal garden, ornamental flowers, recreation facilities etc.

o   Demonstration of ideal models like solar equipments, water recharging, waste disposal mechanisms etc.

o   Installation of energy saving equipments/systems in the campus

o   Campus Greening

o   Management of Landscape and Aesthetics

A study had been conducted in the campus which analyzed various aspects like existing waste management mechanisms, issues, major sources of wastes, category, quantity etc. and came out with an effective solution. It suggested the following mechanism for waste management:

·         Segregated Collection at the Point of Generation

·         Transfer/Transport to the Processing Facility

·         Resource Recovery for Recycling and Reuse

·         Treatment/Processing

·         Disposal (to the minimum)

For segregated collection, differently coloured bins were provided at the point(s) of generation (as biodegradable, recyclable and toxic) a GREEN BIN for Biodegradable Wastes, BLUE BIN for Recyclable Wastes and RED BINS for Toxic Wastes. These segregated wastes will be collected and removed from the point(s) of generation on a regular basis by the staff involved in cleaning work. The contents of green, blue and red boxes will be removed daily, weekly and monthly respectively.

 Bio degradable wastes are be processed by an aerobic composting method through a bio bin (bio trigger mechanism) which is installed at the campus and it produces bio fertilizer. The liquid and major bio degradable wastes from the Food Court and mess of both Men’s and Women’s Hostels are processed through the bio gas plants in the campus and used for cooking. The slurry and bio fertilizer are used in the farms. Non- bio degradable wastes are kept in a separate container for further processing. Segregated recyclable/reusable wastes are stored in different cubicles within the store room of the Waste Processing Facility. The contents in the red box (toxic) are carefully transferred to a concrete box which is buried safely. In addition to this, glass ware/bottles are segregated on the basis of colour and kept in separate containers. The collected plastics will be cleaned properly and crushed through a plastic shredder which will be installed in the campus soon. The messages regarding waste management, energy conservation, personal hygiene etc. are placed at appropriate places in the campus for awareness. In addition to this, continuous awareness programs are telecast through the campus community radio -RADIO MACFAST 90.4 by students and staff. Certain eco friendly practices like avoiding plastic carry bags/files, using one side written papers, using eco friendly products etc. are carried out by MACFAST. Water recharging system, organic farming and solar paneling are the other initiatives undertaken and it is in progress. The herbal garden maintained by the bio students is another attraction in the campus.

Green Hour is the other innovative program introduced in the campus. A complete hour in a week on Thursdays has been allotted for environmental awareness which includes all students as well as top to bottom level staff. 20 minutes talk on ‘tip of the week’ and a talk on a relevant environmental topic is followed by sharing of ideas on innovative waste management/energy conservation/personal hygiene strategies. Everyone will share how they have carried out the tip during the previous week and what they will do in the next week for environment protection. A similar one hour program is telecast through the Community Radio to make local people aware regarding their roles in environmental management. 

Bio campus in the college has also enhanced their participation by strengthening their research and development skills in environmental management. Development of bio plastic, effective micro organism, herbal farm, bacterial consortium etc. are giving robustness to the notion of Clean and Green Campus. Development of Eco Shop, Eco Park and Green Recreation Corner are few of the immediate items in the pipeline. Clean and Green Campus is the apparent evidence of vision and impetus of concerned authorities and balanced efforts from all corners. Through these mutual efforts, it is invariably proved that the dream of a clean and green city is not far fetched and impossible to achieve if everyone contributes their roles.