Zero Waste is a fascinating vision which has captured the imagination of people across the world grappling with the ever more gripping problem of 'garbage'. Communities terrorized by a garbage crisis are organising around the magic pattern of activity thrown in by Zero Waste. Kovalam is one such.

Kovalam, a chain of beaches in the state of Kerala, southern India, has been listed by the National Geographic Traveller as one of the 20 must-see destinations of the world. Ironically, 'The Lonely Planet' has also listed Kovalam as one of the must-not-see destinations of the millennium in the world, because, although the beaches are beautiful, the mounting garbage is turning people away. But the people of Kovalam want the tourists to stay. One of the main reasons highlighted by all for the drop in tourist arrivals is the mounting garbage problem in Kovalam. Therefore the desire by most in the tourism business to manage the waste they create, dump and burn on a day-to-day basis.