BANGALORE: One need not to be somebody great in society to save Bangalore from pollution.Here is an example of how housewives too can do things their own way effectively. If you are not convinced, meet Shruthi Puri, a housewife, residing in Ittina Abby apartment at Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar near HAL Airport, who has decided to do something to ensure that the premises of the apartment remain free from plastic carry bags.It all started when Shruthi tried to take her child to a nearby park. The scene of plastic carry bags filled with garbage disturbed her. “It is quite disappointing to see garbage in plastic bags lying in all available places.These plastic bags are not biodegradable since most of them are below 40 microns.Kitchen waste is filled in plastic bags and thrown on the streets. Even cows can’t eat it since it is in the plastic bags. If any cow eats it, its owner has to take it to the veterinary doctor for treatment,’’ says Shruthi.She got good support and encouragement from neighbours when she discussed the advantages of using paper bags as a replacement for plastics bags. “I discussed the idea of using paper bags with my friends Preethi, Dr Jyothi and Ganesh, members of the residential association of Ittina Abby apartment.They encouraged me and assured their support to carry the idea of introducing paper bags in 200 flats,’’ she said.The concept of paper bags not only reduces pollution but also is a means of income generation for economically weaker families.Shruthi contacted Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA) to make paper bags. “We collect old newspapers from residents and give them to APSA for making paper bags. We give them Rs 8 for 30 paper bags.The residents have to pay Rs 10 for 30 paper bags,’’ she explains.Residents of Ittina Abby apartment building have extended their support to Shruthi. There are 200 flats that need around 6,000 paper bags for garbage per month. Says Gayathri, a housewife. “I am ready to use paper bags. I wouldn’t mind spending extra money for paper bags.’’ Expressing happiness for being a partner of this programme, Devaraj, coordinator (training), APSA, said that they have already made 1,000 paper bags. “We have been providing training for people from economically poor families in electronics, tailoring and printing. We are utilising the trainees of the printing section to make paper bags. The income generated from making paper bags will support our training programme,’’ said Devaraj.The concept of using paper bags will not confine to Ittina Abby apartment. It will be extended to nearby apartments with active support from Uthkarsha, a residents’ welfare association.“It is a good idea. We will recommend the residents to use paper bags and avoid plastic bags. We will extend it to other apartments in Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar,’’ says Mahesh Chaudhary, coordinator, Uthkarsha.In the future, maids working in Ittina Abby and other apartments would be given the job of making all-purpose, jumbo and shopping paper bags. “It will provide an additional income,’’ says Shruthi. So does she have any message for people? “Refuse to use plastic bags, reuse plastic bags if you already have them till they are torn. Give the plastic bags to those who are in the recycling business,” she signs off.
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