more-in Though the use of plastic carry bags is still rampant in busy commercial hubs, supermarkets in Kozhikode city are slowly shifting towards the use of cloth carry bags in place of plastic and non-woven carry bags. The credit goes to the Supermarkets Welfare Association of Kerala (SWAK) that has taken an active interest in the campaign against plastic carry bags. The Association took the first step against plastic carry bags on January 26 when it decided not to provide carry bags for free. “The move was well received by most customers. Very few people purchased carry bags after that. They would come to the supermarket with carry bags or just put the purchased items in their vehicles,” said K. Sajith, district secretary of SWAK, who claimed that there was a reduction of one tonne of plastic waste per month in Kozhikode Corporation after January. The second phase was executed on June 5, World Environment Day, when the association kick-started efforts to replace plastic carry bags in supermarkets with cloth bags. The initial hurdle to the process was non-availability of cloth bags. However, with Niravu Vengeri volunteering to provide the bags, the hurdle was resolved. “After news of the change appeared in the media, many individuals and groups approached us offering to provide cloth bags. We prefer groups like Kudumbasree rather than big enterprises. With the availability of more bags, we will be able to ensure the use of cloth bags in all supermarkets in the city in about a month,” Mr. Sajith said. However, retail chains and small vendors are still using plastic carry bags. “We are trying to negotiate with professional retailers to join the campaign,” Mr. Sajith said. Meanwhile, there are plans to extend the campaign to the whole district. “Kannur district has shifted completely to cloth bags. We can also do it,” said K.M. Haneefa, district general secretary of SWAK. Cloth bags that come with the ‘Green Kozhikode’ logo are being sold at ?15 per piece and can be sold back to supermarkets if returned neatly. SWAK has also made arrangements to take back clean plastic packages of grocery items from customers, which would then be sent for recycling.

Stay updated with all the Latest Kozhikode headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.