Urban News

The Hindu 27.08.2009

Recycled paper bags distributed

Staff Reporter

— Photo: S. Thanthoni

Eco-Friendly: Mayor M.Subramanian distributes paper bags made of recycled paper to shopkeepers on the Marina beach in Chennai on Wednesday.

CHENNAI: Close to 1,500 paper bags made from recycled paper were distributed by Mayor M. Subramanian at the Marina beach to spread awareness about the ‘plastics-free beach’ campaign on Wednesday.

The event was organised by Exnora International as part of its ‘99999 Lights out campaign’ which aims to generate public awareness about the causes, consequences and solutions of global warming.

Talking about the need for the plastic ban, Mr. Subramanian said “Plastics are not bio-degradable and also have the potential to seep into the ground water table. Banning plastics is essential because we owe the responsibility to leave a cleaner environment for the future generation.”

He said a meeting was organised after the ban, which came into force on August 15, in which hundreds of shopkeepers participated and gave assurances that they will do their bit to keep the beach a plastic free zone.

“The amount of plastic waste generated at the beach has dropped by close to 50 per cent. People who come to the beach still carry plastic bags and other items. There is need for more sensitisation,” he said.

According to him, the Rs. 17 crore beach beautification program which was coming to a close required responsible participation from the public also to maintain a clean environment.

Later briefing reporters, he said that a sand cleaning machine will soon be procured to keep the beach sands clean. The machine which costs Rs. 42 lakh will be used to remove cigarette butts, plastic cups, paper and other such waste from the sand, he said.

A spokesperson of Exnora said that about 40 per cent of landfill waste is composed of paper waste and it attributes to 1/4th of greenhouse gas emissions.

Hence using recycled paper has wider benefits beyond the reduction of plastic waste.