EcoWords

Julie Newman, PhD and Earth5R: Exploring The Next Frontier of Sustainability In the fifth edition of Earth5R’s Sustainable Futures podcast series, we dive deep into groundbreaking ideas that are set to redefine sustainability. Moderated by the visionary founder and eminent environmentalist Saurabh Gupta, this episode features Julie Newman, PhD, the Director of Sustainability at MIT, sharing her extensive experience in advancing sustainability initiatives within one of the world’s leading academic institutions. Julie discusses the critical role that universities play in addressing climate change and fostering innovative solutions. She highlights MIT’s commitment to sustainability, exploring key projects and strategies that integrate environmental responsibility into campus operations and community engagement. Join us as Saurabh Gupta and Julie Newman explore the next frontier of sustainability, inspiring a new era of innovative, tech-driven, and inclusive environmental action. Conversat...

Earth5R's Community-Based Urban Gardening: Enhancing Biodiversity in Cities Community-based Urban Gardening: A Solution to Urban Biodiversity Loss In the sprawling concrete jungles of modern cities, biodiversity is quietly vanishing. According to a 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), approximately one million species are at risk of extinction, many of them due to habitat loss caused by urbanization.  The importance of biodiversity in cities cannot be overstated. Healthy urban ecosystems contribute to cleaner air, reduce heat stress, and promote mental well-being. For example, researchers from the University of Exeter found that people living near green spaces experience lower levels of depression and anxiety, highlighting the direct link between biodiversity and public health.  This article aims to explore how community-based urban gardening can serve as a grassroots solution to preserve and enhance biodi...

Composting is the natural process of breaking down organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and paper into nutrient-rich soil. This decomposition process is driven by microorganisms, fungi, and insects, transforming waste into valuable compost that enhances soil quality. In this article we present you the Earth5R’s practical steps to urban composting. While composting is traditionally associated with rural or agricultural settings, it is equally important in urban environments where organic waste contributes significantly to municipal solid waste. In cities, food and garden waste make up a large portion of household and school-generated trash. When sent to landfills, organic waste decomposes anaerobically, releasing methane — a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Additionally, urban waste management systems are often overburdened, leading to pollution and increased landfill costs. Composting reduces waste, lowers emissions, and improves soil health, making citie...

A River in Crisis – The Mithi River’s Tale of Neglect and Hope In the heart of Mumbai, a city known for its towering skyscrapers and relentless hustle, flows the Mithi River—or rather, what once was a river. Today, it resembles a murky drain, choking with industrial effluents, untreated sewage, and plastic waste. Once a vital artery of the city’s drainage system, the Mithi has now become a symbol of urban neglect.  According to a 2020 report by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the river’s water quality index was recorded at an alarming level of 41 out of 100, categorizing it as “heavily polluted.” The river’s biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), a key indicator of organic pollution, frequently exceeds the permissible limit of 3 mg/L, rendering the water unfit for any form of consumption or aquatic life.  The plight of the Mithi River is not unique. Rivers in urban areas across the world are rapidly deteriorating due to unchecked pollution and inadequate waste manage...