Our project on Ecologs was shortlisted for the CBSE Skills Expo 2023, held at Haridwar in the State of Uttarakhand on November 18th. Chaperoned by our teacher, Ms Sunita Chauhan, my classmate Rehnaaz and I showcased our exhibit focusing on utilizing waste effectively to produce eco-friendly Ecologs. These innovative logs are designed to replace traditional treewood in crematoriums, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The day-long expo, held at DPS Haridwar, witnessed the participation of over 70 schools from the North Indian region of CBSE.
Here, I am sharing the Project details with my readers.
Background
During student-led waste management field visits, led by Suhani, Cow dung and coconut shell waste emerged as significant hazards, clogging drains, polluting water bodies, and creating unsightly urban environments.
In April 2023, Suhani's observation of cow dung-based logs during her grandfather's cremation in Jaipur sparked her quest for sustainable solutions. Investigating local practices in crematoriums and Gaushalas, she found that Upalas/Kandas presented an optical problem, deterring their use for cremation. The low calorific value of cow dung logs also needed resolution.
Through research on literature, machinery models, lab testing of the product, a solution was devised. By combining cow dung and coconut shell waste and employing a automatic machine to create eco-logs, a pathway to a cleaner environment has been established.
Green Coconut shell Waste.
Increased consumption of coconut water and pulp in North India has increased generation of coconut shell waste. Estimated waste in the country is about three million tons per year. Coconut shells can take up to ten years to degrade in the environment. Apart from unsightliness in the urban environment, Breeds mosquitoes in left over water leading to disease transmission, a major public health concern.
Cowdung Waste
Abandoned non-milking cows contribute to littering of Cow dung on roads, drains clogging, and water pollution. Repurposing cow dung for cremation, aligned with cultural values, addresses environmental and societal concerns.
Partially dried cow dung mixed with shredded coconut shells (5:1 ratio) is fed into an improvised auto-operated machine, producing logs 2.5-3 feet in length, with a diameter ranging from 2” to 6”, and weighing about 3kg. After drying, the logs weigh approximately 1 kg. A cylindrical hole in the center facilitates easy drying and combustion, resulting in sturdy, sun-dried Eco-Logs.
The Calorific value of pure cowdung log was found to be 1600 kcal/kg while that of wood is 3300 kcal/kg. Calorific value experimentation at Thapar Technology Centre, Patiala, enhanced the logs' quality, addressing waste management concerns for the Municipal Corporation Mohali by blending cow dung and shredded coconut waste and increasing its calorific value to 3000 kcal/kg.
Entrepreneurship
1. Model set-up
The Municipal Corporation was convinced to set up a coconut shell shredder at their Resource Management Centre (RMC), Mohali. Raising funds, a 5HP machine was set up at the Mohali Gaushala in August 2023 to produce Eco-logs and supply to the nearby crematorium at Balongi cutting down use of wood and saving trees. This initiative attracted a lot of media attention. Since then, over 1000 local school students have visited the RMC and the Gaushala to understand the process.
2. Cost Effective Eco-Friendly Lifestyle Solution.
Locally, tree wood costs Rs 8 per kg, requiring 500 kg per cremation (costing Rs 4000/-). Blended Eco-Logs supply costs about one third i.e. Rs.2.5/- per kg, covering labor, space for shed, drying, and transportation to the Balongi Crematorium (1.5 km from Mohali Gaushala). With time, cost of Tree-wood is likely to appreciate as Forests are declining.
3. Scalable, Replicable, Sustainable Innovation
Abundant cow dung, combined with coconut waste or horticulture waste, enhances Eco-Logs' quality and calorific value. Lab testing demonstrates that adding dry leaves in the same proportion as shredded coconut yields equivalent calorific value (above 3000 kcal/kg). Eco-Logs are stronger, quicker to dry, cost-effective, and enjoy high public acceptability due to the use of cow dung. Confederation of Biomass Industry reports lower emissions than firewood, reducing air pollution.
4. Other Cowdung based Products
The thronging of visitors to see the process of making Eco-logs also promoted use of other cowdung based products like vermi-compost, flower pots for nurseries, and diyas for festivals, contributing to soil fertility and sustainable practices.
The Impact:
Cow-Dung Waste: Addresses sewer chokes and water pollution, creating value for non-milk-producing cows.
Empty Coconut Shells act as mosquitoes breeding place: Shredding coconut shells Prevents mosquito breeding, curbing the spread of Dengue and Malaria.
Tree Conservation: Saves trees, solving waste management and public health concerns.
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