1.21.2009

Chennai Going Green?

Add another chapter to the surreal experiences here in India. This, from the same nation that is spending hundreds of millions of dollars developing satellites to map the lunar surface, yet it can't provide enough potable drinking water or sufficient food to its citizens.

We finally got the whole green garbage bin debacle situated, when we discovered that the "garbage boy" is no longer collecting our garbage. Imagine my amusement/frustration when I was informed that due to a new neighborhood "green" initiative, I would now have to sort (aka sift through my trash) and segregate it into small, recyclable piles.

Please note the irony here as this is one of, if not THE, dirtiest places I have ever been in my entire life.


I was given a placard, on non-biodegradable paper by the way, regarding the "Rules For Segregation of Garbage." In keeping with the Indian's natural obsession with bureaucracy, the instructions outline the fifteen or so processes one must take in order to keep their home rubbish free.

While I admire their initiative, I think their execution is a little misguided. Not to sound cynical, but I think this is merely a measure to make it easier for the feral animals to dine on the street.





7 comments:

OHmommy said...

Oh my gosh Jill... that letter is so detailed. And those pictures prove the point at how funny and ironic it all is.

LOL. I love your little tid-bits about life in India.

Mom24 said...

Wow! I'm trying to process and make sense of it, but no luck. I'm sure the goats will think the world of the new program though. You give me my 'count your blessings' booster shots. lol.

G in Berlin said...

That's so easy. We separate our glass into clear and colored, a bin for organic, one fore plastics and metals and another for paper and yet another for corrugated cardboard. Batteries and electronics go to stores to be recycled and larger things are dropped at the recycling center by private car or one pays to have them taken away.
It is cleaner here, though.
I particularly like the "stinging garbage" phrase, though.

Jen said...

Um, gross.

Alison said...

Unbelievable. It might be important to join the first world in providing good water, food, and NO ANIMALS before you start trying to save the environment!

Unknown said...

While I appreciate the time I had to travel a bit in India (years ago..) It IS the dirtiestplace I have ever been... I doubt I will ever forget the SMELL..ever...

Have fun sorting your trash...

When do you go home again?

Unknown said...

That is too funny. I love that very detailed list!

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