Keonjhar: The district administration here has decided to use only leaf or paper plates and bowls in all its meetings as a part of the ‘say no to plastic’ campaign. This move has been praised by all and sundry.
There are meetings and events on a daily basis in this district. The attendees are usually served snacks and other edibles in plastic plates and bowls. However, in a short while all these delicacies will be served only on utensils made of ‘Sal’ leaves.
Sources said Friday that the district administration has decided to employ SHGs to make these plates and bowls from ‘Sal’ leaves. This hope has also given a new ray of hope to people who deal in such products.
“The tendency of people to use plastic has affected the traditional use of leaf plates and bowls. Even cotton carry bags have been replaced by plastic ones. Hence those who were making such items are finding it difficult to earn a livelihood. The decision to ban plastic will certainly be an encouragement for us all,” said a person who makes plates of ‘Sal’ leaves.
Villagers and tribal people who make such items should get ITDA assistance according to many. There will be a two-fold benefit in the use of traditional products. First it will improve the living condition of the people who make such products because they will have financial stability. Secondly, they would desist from cutting trees and selling them as firewood to eke out a livelihood. Hence, deforestation will also stop.
If traditional these plates and bowls made of leaves and paper are used in all government and private meetings and functions, it would make a huge difference to the environment, some senior citizens observed.
It is pertinent to mention here that the government has put a ban on using plastic materials. But in this district, plastic items are still in circulation. No stringent measures have been taken because the persons who run businesses of plastic products are influential people.
The SHGs that have been manufacturing papads, pickles, canopies etc will from now onwards manufacture plates, bowls made out of ‘Sal’. However, they should also be trained regarding the manufacturing of the products, observed a few people.
PNN