Concerned about the environment? Is going green your personal mantra? Well then, you should get your housing society to do its bit for the environment. Taking a cue from housing societies in Mumbai, we list 4 eco-friendly ways your housing complex can cut down on waste, pollution, and expenses.

1) Adopt A Zero-Waste Model

Impossible? Think again. A housing society in Andheri recently managed to go almost completely zero waste, with only about 10% of its total waste being sent to the dumping ground. The secret is to segregate waste. Install separate dustbins in every house and educate people on the need to dispose of wet and dry waste separately. The dry waste which includes metals, plastic and e-waste can be recycled and reused. The wet waste can be composted, used as manure in your society’s gardens or even sold in the commercial market.

2) Harvest Rainwater

Let’s face it. Water shortage is a big problem in our cities with water cuts imposed every summer. Instead of blaming the government or buying water from expensive private wells, handle the problem yourself by installing rainwater harvesting systems in your society. They cost about Rs 3 lakhs and more to install, but that investment ensures that your complex is supplied with water throughout the year.

3) Get An In-house Sewage Treatment Plant

Enhance the power of your rainwater harvesting system by installing a sewage treatment plant in your society. Waste water can be recycled and used for non-drinking purposes like gardening, washing cars and cleaning. The cost is not much of a problem either, with the setup for a 400 member housing complex priced at around Rs 60,000 per month. An investment that is quickly recouped thanks to the savings you make in your monthly water bill.

4) Use Clean Energy By Going Solar

More than 400 housing societies in Mumbai have gone solar in their quest for clean power. Going solar helps you to save on your electricity bills and also helps you cut your carbon footprint. You will need at least 500 square feet of space on your roof to install solar panels, but the good news is that they work well, even during the monsoons. Just make sure you buy the from reputed solar power manufacturers.

Reporter : Ashwini Priolker, NDTV
Web Editor : Nikhil Narayan Sivadas, NDTV