SunPlugged – the GreenKarbon Solar Festival was held at Bhavan’s College Campus in Andheri in mid January. An initiative of Sanctuary Asia and Deutsche Bank, the event was completely solar powered thereby emphasising the need (and ability) of green energy. The event showcased practical low carbon alternatives, sustainable solutions and ways to efficiently and creatively cut down energy use and therefore carbon emissions.
An installation by the NGO, ‘Are you Recycling’ (RUR) that detailed the creative recycling of Tetra packs caught a lot of attention. The tetra packs were recycled to form sheets 10 mm thick. These were then moulded into benches which were rock-steady as well as water resistant. The benches made from recycled Tetra sheets require very little maintenance. And unlike wooden benches, they also do not need to be polished.
Another eye catching installation was a wind turbine put up by Mangal Synnove Energies Pvt Ltd. This small scale wind power plant can be utilised for an array of tasks. Right from grinding grain and pumping water to charging batteries.
Solar cooking pots and cookers were on display too. To make things more interesting foodie Kunal Vijaykar and satire king Cyrus Broacha put up an interesting show to highlight the benefits of solar cooking.
The use of solar water heaters – one of the most convenient, economical and simple ways to heat water sans fire was also highlighted in the festival. The solar cleaners which can move around and clean a house also drew a lot of curiosity from the crowd who had assembled to see the live demo.
A freewheeling interaction with actor and activist Rahul Bose saw an interesting volley of queries being sorted out. Speaking on the occasion Ravneet Gill, CEO, Deutsche Bank India added, “The SunPlugged festival represents our firm resolve and enthusiasm to contribute towards a cleaner, greener world. It is deeply gratifying that SunPlugged has brought so many diverse individuals and organizations together on one platform.”
Text By Vikas Bhadra
Photographs By Snigdha Hodarkar
Contact:
web: www.sanctuaryasia.com
