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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

RM&DD to host state-level International Plastic Bags Free Day

GANGTOK, 30 June: In its bid to bring about wider awareness about the ill effects of plastic bags and in its endeavor to find sustainable alternate solutions in collaboration with community stakeholders, the Rural Management & Development Department has announced plans to observe a state level International Plastic Bags Free Day on 03 July 2014.
An official press communique quotes the RM&DD Secretary DR Nepal as saying, “In a world where plastic and plastic packaged products may seem convenient and indispensable, the observation of Plastic Bag- Free Day is a symbolic gesture worldwide to say that there are alternatives to plastic and that if we turn to better alternatives, we could easily do away with plastics, be it in our state, nation or the world at large.”
The RM&D Department, in its endeavor to reduce waste, is observing the International Plastic Bag-Free Day, district wise at tourist hotspots. Despite the government’s declaration of Sikkim as a plastic free state, there’s no denying that plastic is being used in the form of carry bags, in packaged forms and several other ways. “Through this event, we are attempting to sensitize people to actually support the government’s mission practically. Through our campaign across the four districts in Sikkim, we are keen to bring together community participation to find zero waste solutions for the future,” the Secretary adds.
As per Joint Secretary- Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan, YD Yongda, “The program designed for this day is very hands- on with minimal bhashan and more of activity-based sharing with the main stakeholders. Since schools have closed for the summer break, the programmes are being held at tourist destinations for it is there where the maximum garbage is generated. So we are involving tour operators, students, taxi drivers, hoteliers who directly deal with tourists and with their participation we hope to get the message of zero waste across. The daylong session through activities, competitions and quizzes would aim at reinforcing the need to Stop Single-Use plastic bags, and encourage alternatives like reusable bags with the theme ‘Carry your own bag’. We hope to get the participation of as many people because without the involvement of civil society, we cannot hope to achieve zero waste in our state”.
The International Plastic Bag-Free program is being facilitated by 24hours Inspired on behalf of the RM&D Department, the release adds.

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