Green Cities
A Beacon of Clean
September 20, 2024
Today, communities around the globe have united to make a difference.
It is World Cleanup Day, and people are taking action in addressing environmental challenges and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their local surroundings. The United Nations General Assembly implemented this solution last December, making September 20 the first of many World Cleanup Days.
God’s Own Garden: A Hotspot
Unanimously nicknamed “God’s own Garden,” the small village of Mawlynnong lives up to its nickname. It serves as a pristine example of what can be achieved through dedication and communal effort.
Located in northeastern India, in the heart of Meghalaya, is a place that leaves a lasting impression. Declared the cleanest town in Asia in 2003, Mawlynnong is a hotspot for rural tourism, with its community based ecotourism initiative. The village even saw an increase of 60 percent in per capita income.
Tourist attractions and their surrounding towns often face challenges when it comes to maintaining cleanliness and protecting the environment. As popularity grows, so does the influx of visitors, which can lead to environmental degradation, like increased pollution, loss of natural habitats, and depletion of water resources.
Despite its buzz, the citizens of Mawlynnong have learned to battle the surplus of visitors. Tourists are encouraged to respect the local customs and practices that keep the town as clean as possible. The economic gains are, in return, used for the maintenance of the village.
Community-Led Support
Environmental degradation and pollution are key concerns for the villagers of the town, resulting in this sustainable, eco-friendly way of living.
From adults to young children, residents have taken on the responsibility of keeping their village litter-free. Village leaders have made cleaning a regular activity for the community’s well-being. Residents not only tidy their homes but also volunteer to sweep the roads and plant trees on a regular basis. Plastic and smoking are banned, contributing to the prevention of air and land pollution.
Every home in Mawlynnong has had a fully functioning toilet since 2007, furthering the cleanliness of the streets and resources.
Sanitation facilities are rare for smaller villages, especially in South Asia. Globally, the number of people without access to clean sanitation facilities reaches 1.5 billion. Due to these limitations, people might turn to open defecation. It is reported that 17 percent of the rural population of India alone practices open defecation.
Not only does improved sanitation reduce diseases and filth, but also provides many potential environmental benefits. With an adequate system, there is a possibility to retrieve water, nutrients, and renewable energy from wastewater. Community resilience to climate shock is often increased through safe use of wastewater for irrigation.
Mawlynnong’s efforts do just that.
With bamboo dustbins and disposal pits for waste collection, the citizens have found an innovative way to renew and recycle — reutilize garbage as manure.
A Call For Action
What we see in Mawlynnong is a blueprint for communities everywhere. With collective effort and a commitment to sustainability, positive change is possible.
Around the world, people can adopt similar practices, by fostering local pride and encouraging residents to take part in keeping their surroundings clean. Simple initiatives, such as regular clean-up days, tree planting events, and the establishment of recycling programs, can have a profound impact.
If we treat every day like World Cleanup Day, every village can achieve what Mawlynnong has.
