As Chennaiites, we are used to romanticising idlies, autos, kolams and filter coffee whenever we think about the city's awesomeness. However, sometimes we tend to forget the natural wealth that the city has. Mountain ranges, three rivers inside the city, marshlands and hundreds of lakes and ponds - some that need our time and attention too. Whether it is out of love for the city or a pressing need to do something meaningful, try your hand at volunteering with these environment conservation NGOs. After all, even the Gretas and Jane Goodalls started local.
Have A Lot Of Free Time? Volunteer At These Environment Conservation NGOs
Exnora International
With its name derived from the words excellent, novel and radical, this NGO conducts a range of activities for street cleaning and beautifying. They work closely with government bodies for problems such as sewage leaks and water crisis. They also conduct a range of training programmes for students and teachers on topics like biodiversity, climate change, solid, liquid and zero waste management. You can call them, fix a face-to-face appointment and even pitch a new project of your own. If it gets approved, Exnora will guide you with implementing the same.
Environmentalist Foundation Of India
A habitat restoration and wildlife conservation NGO, this group has been doing great work with the water bodies of Chennai. They specialize in scientific restoration of water bodies as well as conducting community engagement activities near them. Wall painting, lake cleanups, beach cleanups, lake safaris, tree planting and more - this NGO goes all out in trying to make the citizens get do the work. You can follow them on social media to get the latest updates.
Paperman Foundation
Based in Mylapore, this NGO mainly focusses on waste management. Doorstep recycling service, public awareness campaigns, processing unit management and more- this organisation tries to make sure that the waste we dispose of doesn't directly end up in the landfills. They conduct school recycling programs through which they have reached lakhs of children. Just contact them directly if you're interested in volunteering and they will guide you through.
Care Earth Trust
Care Earth Trust is a biodiversity conservation NGO whose Water Matters program works with different mediums to spread awareness about Chennai's ongoing water crisis. They conduct regular workshops and exhibitions and their website has all the updates regarding the same. You can be a part of all this by simply letting them know about your interest in volunteering.
Bhumi
Apart from doing phenomenal work in the education sector, Bhumi has been conducting various activities in the environmental scene as well. Through their green labs, tree plantations, neighbourhood park restorations and beach cleanups, they have been engaging actively with the youth. Follow Bhumi's website and social media pages to work with them.
Green Voice International
This Velachery NGO works on water conservation awareness and involving residents around water bodies in environmental conservation. They have been consistently conducting lake cleanups, beach cleanups in and around Velachery, partnering mainly with resident associations. They are pretty responsive on calls, so ring them up if you are interested!
Chennai Volunteers
This organisation works on connecting NGOs with the public and corporates. Do write to them to receive regular updates on email and they will make sure you get an intimation every weekend about the activities they conduct. Animal rescues and beach cleanups to tree planting- they engage in a wide range of activities.
Chennai Trekking Club
Apart from trekking, Chennai Trekking Club has been organising plenty of sapling plantation, sapling maintenance, terrace farming and organic farming events through the year. They have an active Facebook group through which you can get regular updates about these events. Join in and have fun!
Nizhal
Another organisation based in Chennai, Nizhal has been conducting regular tree plantations, herbal gardens and tree-hugging campaigns. Although they aren't very active on social media, you can ring them up to get all the deets.
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