ITC's Novel plan to save 20,000 trees

Hyderabad: If you do not know what to do with that large stack of old textbooks, notebooks, magazines and newspapers at home, a novel recycling initiative called ‘Well-being out of Waste (WOW)’ offers an impressive solution.

As part of the programme, started by ITC, one can now exchange old books for new notebooks and stationery at a discounted price. Since students will benefit, this drive is being held in over 500 schools in Hyderabad and in the districts of Medak, Mahbubnagar and Warangal.

It has already been completed in 250 schools, resulting in the collection of nearly 400 tonnes of used books. The firm hopes to collect 1,000 tonnes, saving an estimated 20,000 trees.

An official from ITC said the drive will reduce deforestation. This plan has been a hit in the cities of Chennai, Bengaluru and Coimbatore, and now, Hyderabad has joined the list with response increasing each year since its launched in 2012, he said.

Also, big private schools, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Army schools and even government schools are taking part in this campaign. Normally, stalls are set up in schools for one to three days depending upon the strength of the students.

The weight of the books contributed ranges from two kg to 40 kg in most of the schools, with the average contribution being 10 kg. The exchange price is Rs 8.75 per kg. Brand-new notebooks are then given in return at a discount of 20 to 32 per cent. Students are also given congratulatory letters if they contribute old books weighing 5 kg and above.

Over 1,200 students from Sanghamitra School, Nizampet, Kukatpally supported this initiative. “Paper is produced by cutting trees. But if good quantity of books is used for recycling there is no need to cut trees. Our students were explained the benefits by ITC and we responded in a big way” said Mr Nageshwara Rao, principal of the school.

Warangal kid brings 777 kg

Shefil Joy, a Class IX student from Warangal, has contributed 777.5 kg of old books for the recycling initiative, surprising even those attached to the campaign.
Shefil, 14, who is studying in Kendriya Vidyalaya (Warangal), gave textbooks, notebooks, magazines and newspapers he had collected from friends, neighbours and relatives. Speaking to DC, Shefil said he thought this initiative to save trees was indeed a great idea.

 “This is the first year I have been taking part in this campaign. I will contribute to this cause even in the coming years,” he said. The efforts of the likes of Shefil will not go waste as ITC will be announcing a “Green Champion” trophy for the student who contributes the maximum quantity of old books in the state.

“There are other students who have contributed nearly 500 kg, 300 kg, 250 kg, 150 kg, 100 kg and above, individually. We will be shortlisting a Green Champion from each of the 500 schools and from that list, we will finalise the Green Champion for Telangana,” a team member said.