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 Tamil Nadu 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 Tirunelveli 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.

Alternative to Plastic products Name of the SHG Monthly production (Qty.)

Cloth Bag Mahilampoo SHG, VM Chathiram Thamarai SHG, Pettai

20000

Paper Bag Abirami SHG, Tirunelveli 29250

Jute Bag (Lunch bags)

Shree SHG, Tirunelveli Corporation 1000

Aloe vera (Scrubber, Table mats, Fruit bowl) Roja SHG, Kalakad 700

Terracotta (Cups, Plates, Water jug) Vinayagar SHG, Kurichi 2500

Arecanut Leaf (Plates)

Krishna SHG, Udayarpatti 2900

Palm leaf (Baskets, Pencil box, Toys, Jewel box)

Joy SHG, Karaisuthupudhur 1500

Banana fiber (Fruit Bowl, Plates) Roja SHG, Kalakad 400

Wooden (Toys, Spatula, Boxes, Bowls)

Sunmathi SHG, Tirunelveli -Town 500

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: