Sixteenth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

The research project is based on the understanding of sustainable development through more effective public engagement and inclusion. We focus on the waste profile, consumer attitude, strategic behavior, and environmental consciousness. In this regard, we analyze the domestic potential and local-consensus centered approaches together with the public and private sector (mini-enterprises) participation in the waste management process in the Kerala region, India. Kerala has been considered one of the most progressive regions in India in terms of its literacy and education. Thanks to this, local communities are very sensitive about solid waste management (SWM). We identify the motivation of local communities who created voluntary waste management initiatives and cooperated with the local waste collection services. We found out that waste education, awareness about the environmental crisis, the sense of respecting to the region are main drivers for being active for waste management and disposal on a community level. The project aims to encourage the communities to achieve a better management practice and increase citizen participation. We also would like to provide recommendations for “improvement” for the local government at the final stage.