By Biswaji Mondal and Champa Rani Mollick from Munsiganj, Shyamnagar,
A discussion session on plastic pollution was organized by Shapla Girls’ Organization with BARCIK’s support. Participating adolescents discussed reducing plastic use, recycling, and alternatives.
Participants Kristina, Brishti, and Mitara stated, “We will now reduce plastic usage at home and in our community, and raise awareness among others.”
The other participating girls said, “Earlier, we saw in some households that unused plastic items were not thrown away but reused, for example in growing different crops. A few months ago, with BARCIK’s support, we visited Purnima Rani’s house in our village and saw unused plastic polythene, buckets, disposable glasses, bottles, tubs, and tins being used to grow various crops. We have now started using this practice in our own families.”
They also added, “Additionally, alternatives to plastic can be used, such as cloth bags, jute bags, woolen bags, and in events, steel plates or banana leaves instead of plastic plates. Moreover, laws should be enacted and strictly enforced. We will raise awareness in our families, schools, and among neighbors. Together, we must build a social movement to protect our environment.”
As part of the event, Kachbel seedlings were distributed to participants as a symbolic step towards environmental conservation.
