Residents of Ittina Abby Apartment join hands to save Bangalore
Shruthi Puri, a housewife, residing in Ittina Abby apartment at Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar near HAL Airport has decided to do something for her society so that it remains free from plastic bags. 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.
Residents of Ittina Abby apartment building have extended their support to 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.
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.
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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