PLASTIC WASTE FREE CAMPAIGN (SWACHHATA HI SEVA 2019)

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT TAMILNADU

Plastic Waste Free Campaign (Swachhata Hi Seva 2019) was carried out by District administration effectively as preliminary activities such as awareness generation, alternative products identification and production were already started as the Government of imposed ban on usage of single use plastic from 1st January 2019. All stakeholders such as Government & Line Department officials, Community Based Organizations, Traders, NGOs etc.,were sensitized through District, Block and Village level awareness meetings.

In order to reduce the usage of Plastic, ensure the availability of alternatives to plastic and recycling of used plastic waste the following innovative steps were undertaken to attain a Plastic Waste Free District.

Innovative aspects: q Common Anti plastic District Logo – ‘Negizhi Illa Namma Nellai’ (Plastic free Tirunelveli) was created and popularized. q Youth and Children were sensitized through Drawing, Essay writing, Oratorical Competitions, College Bazzars and ‘Selfie with your Bag contest’. q Self Help Groups popularized ill effects of plastics and various cost effective alternatives available among public through Rangolis, Street plays, Rallies etc., q Traders, Hotel associations were motivated to use of alternative products and also encourage the public – Discounts for customers with their own carrybags. q Locally available alternative raw materials were identified – Palm leaf, Aloe Vera, Banana fiber, Terracotta, Cotton cloth etc., q Training to SHGs through RSETI and Skill training institutes were given to produce Jute & Cloth bags, Paper bags, Arecanut plates etc., q For setting up units and startup operations financial assistance through DIC, Bank linkages, CSR funds and Community Based Organization funds at lower interest rates were provided. q To ensure easy availability of plastic alternative products shopping complexes were identified in all over the district for exhibition and sale. q Kiosks displaying alternatives to plastic products were displayed at Vegetable markets, Government functions & Exhibitions, Grama sabhas etc ., q Plastic Shredder unit set up by SHGs for recycling of waste plastic – 33.68 Tons of plastic pellets prepared by SHGs were used for laying renewal BT roads. Outcomes: q Behavioral change among public in using plastic carry bags. q Public became aware of biodegradable alternative products available to commonly used plastics. q Traditionally and locally available palm leaf, aloe vera, banana fiber and terracotta products were converted into following profitable business entities.

Monthly Alternative to Plastic products Name of the SHG production (Qty.) Mahilampoo SHG, VM Cloth Bag Chathiram 20000 Thamarai SHG, Pettai Abirami SHG, Paper Bag 29250 Tirunelveli Jute Bag Shree SHG, Tirunelveli 1000 (Lunch bags) Corporation Aloe vera Roja SHG, Kalakad 700 (Scrubber, Table mats, Fruit bowl) Terracotta Vinayagar SHG, Kurichi 2500 (Cups, Plates, Water jug) Arecanut Leaf Krishna SHG, 2900 (Plates) Udayarpatti Palm leaf Joy SHG, (Baskets, Pencil box, Toys, Jewel 1500 Karaisuthupudhur box) Banana fiber Roja SHG, Kalakad 400 (Fruit Bowl, Plates) Wooden Sunmathi SHG, 500 (Toys, Spatula, Boxes, Bowls) Tirunelveli -Town q Adoption of environment friendly and healthy traditional food packaging materials. Awards & Recognition: q Tamil Nadu Governments ‘Special Award for Effective Implementation of Plastic Ban’. q ‘SKOCH Award – Governance’ – Alternatives to Plastic – Traditional, Biodegradable, Low cost products through SHGs.

Inauguration of campaign & Stakeholder Awareness Meetings by Hon’ble Minister & District Collector:

District Anti plastic Logo & Selfie with your Bag contest :

Awareness Activities in Schools & Colleges:

Awareness by SHGs: Awareness by Traders:

Palm leaf products (Baskets,Toys & boxes) - Karaisutthu pudhur, Radhapuram Block

Korai (Grass) Products (Baskets, Purse, Hand bags & Mats) - Patthamadai Town Panchayat

Jute Products (Bags, Folders) – Shree SHG, Tirunelveli Corporation

Cloth Bags manufacturing & printing – In all Blocks:

Terracota products (Cups, Plates, Water bottles etc.,) - Palavoor Panchayat, Manur Block & Kaarukurichi Panchayat, Cheranmahadevi Block

Aloe Vera products (Table mats, Fruit bowls, Scrubbers, Toys etc.,) – Kalakad Block

Banana Fiber products (Baskets & Bowls) – Roja SHG, Kalakad Block

Display & Sale of alternatives to Plastic products:

District Collectorate - Grievance day Gram sabhas meeting

Exhibitions: Functions:

College Bazzars: Village Shops:

Plastic Waste Recycling Unit: Awards: