Cinnamon Grand launches No Time to Waste environmental campaign for Colombo Schools

The Cinnamon Grand launched its E – Waste recycling initiatives for schools -’No Time to Waste’ as part of its commitment to share knowledge and environmental friendly practices, with the younger generation.

 This, first of its kind, schools educational awareness program conducted by Cinnamon Grand’s Green Team members in collaboration with Think Green (Pvt) Ltd, aims at encouraging E – Waste recycling amongst schools.

 The initiative was first kicked off at Ladies’ College Colombo and The British School in Colombo with over 350 students participating in these interactive and educational e-waste awareness sessions. As part of this initiative the two schools were also given e-waste collections boxes and awareness posters.  

The Cinnamon Grand Team emphasised that UN Rio 20+ Conference on Sustainable Development in Brazil gives everyone an opportunity to rethink the way we look at the planet and the way insensitive actions and consumption levels have caused havoc on it.

The Cinnamon Grand Team said that although fast paced technological advancements have benefited the world and the billions of people living in it, these advances have also done irreplaceable damage to the environment.

“You are the future custodians of the planet and the choices you make will determine the kind of planet you inherit. We are at a point in time, when we as adults have realised the impact of some of the detrimental choices that we have made that has harmed the planet. We urge you to cultivate greener habits and help efforts to save the planet,” said Cinnamon Grand Manager Marketing Communications and Sustainability Tharika Goonathilake.

Electronic waste is a relatively new subject to people in Sri Lanka, and most people do not realise the extreme danger it can cause to the environment and humans with improper disposal of electronic waste, she said.

According to Think Green Head of Marketing Sivahar Muthuramalingam, e-waste accounts for over 70% of the toxic waste in landfills and this improper disposal leads to serious pollution and health problems. It is believed that over eight tons of e-waste is collected from Colombo every two days and it is disposable methods are not properly monitored. Electrical and electronic equipment that is thrown away contains heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and beryllium. These metals become mixed into the food chain and can cause harm to humans, animals and plants.

 “No Time to Waste” E Waste campaign is aimed at increasing awareness and the proper disposal of electronic waste. Schools interested in educating students can contact Cinnamon Grand’s Marketing Communication and Sustainability Department (2497203 Liana) for further information.