Today the world observes International Plastic Bag Free Day. Kodagu is also a victim to the plastic bag menace. Our rivers and landscape are being choked and desecrated by the use of plastic bags. Plastic bags presents a big challenge to keep the fragile ecosystem of Kodagu safe.
It must be remembered that in 2014, DC Anurag Kashyap did issue an order to ban the usage of plastic bags. Urban bodies, Police and the Tourism Department were all roped in assist and to oversee the implementation, but sadly it was not enforced in spirit.
Plastic bags and garbage menace has to be the responsibility of the residents of Kodagu and their could be a concerted effort to eliminate the use of plastic in an effective manner.
The district administration can at best support people’s initiative’s, by setting an example in addressing the tourist garbage problem in Kodagu.
As they say, prevention is better than cure.
The obvious areas where the plastic bags are being used are grocery, vegetable, cloth, meat and other shops across Kodagu.
Always carry a cloth bag. There is enough space in the car or a 2 wheeler dicky for more than 1 cloth bag. Spread the word, ask your friends and family to do the same.
How you can make a difference:
- Invest in reusable bags: Keep a stash of reusable canvas or cloth bags in
your car or purse, so you’re always prepared when shopping. - Bring your own produce bags: Opt for reusable mesh bags for fruits and
vegetables instead of the flimsy plastic ones often offered at stores. - Say no to plastic straws: Many restaurants and cafes offer plastic straws by
default. Decline and use a reusable metal or silicone straw instead. - Spread awareness: Talk to your friends and family about the issue of plastic
pollution and encourage them to adopt sustainable alternatives. - Choose products with minimal packaging: Look for items with minimal or
recyclable packaging when shopping. - Buy in bulk: When practical, opt for bulk purchases to reduce the amount of
packaging used per item. - Support businesses with sustainable practices: Choose stores and brands
that are committed to reducing plastic waste in their products and
operation
I always carry a foldable bag in my purse from past 7 years and very consciously ensure that I only use reusable bags and also carry water bottles instead of using pet bottles. We should do our bit instead of waiting for someone else to teach us. Let’s care for our mother earth. Let’s make Coorg plastic free.
As I have witnessed, earlier people used to carry cloth bag to buy groceries, a tumbler or bottle to get oil, milk or liquid items. We were rarely witnessing plastic covers in those days. But now a days the usage of plastic are extreme, we should avoid it as much as possible. We should educate people to avoid plastic. More importantly we should take initiative and it should begin from us.
Should make buy back of bottles mandatory for companies who sell the product
Each and every one should carry their own cloth bag while shopping, Let’s save our Kodagu,,