Moodbidri: In a pioneering eco-friendly move, the Moodbidri Town Municipal Council (TMC) will kick off a cloth bag awareness campaign at the Friday market in Swaraj Maidan on May 23. The initiative targets the reduction of single-use plastic bags in local markets.
Marking a first-of-its-kind effort in Karnataka, volunteers from Alva’s College will take the lead in encouraging marketgoers to switch to sustainable alternatives. The campaign is part of a larger zero-waste initiative by the TMC.
Sandhya A, computer science lecturer at Jain PU College and Swachhata ambassador, noted that the TMC had earlier tested the concept by handing out cloth bags during local events like Janmashtami, Kambala, and temple fairs. Encouraged by the public’s involvement, the council now wants to make cloth bag usage a regular practice.
The Rotary Club of Moodbidri has partnered with TMC to push the movement further. Shoppers are urged to bring their own bags or buy eco-friendly cloth bags sold at affordable rates. The bags, stitched at a local unit, can hold up to 10 kg of goods.
Thirty student volunteers will be present at Swaraj Maidan this week, asking citizens to exchange plastic bags for cloth ones. Additionally, donation of old cotton sarees is encouraged at Nayan Bakery for bag-making.
A similar drive at St Aloysius College, led by lecturer Gopika, yielded over 400 donated sarees, now with Moodbidri TMC.
Led by chief officer Indu M, president Jayashree Keshav, VP Nagaraj Poojary, and Rotary president Raviprasad Upadhyaya, the campaign may extend over several weeks.
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