A woman on a mission for plastic-free society

Much damage is being caused by plastic to the ecosystem. The plastic contains harmful chemicals and hence constitute a potential threat to living organisms in oceans too, opines Kaleru Padma Venkatesh, the Golnaka Corporator She contends that the plastic is harmful to marine species also and destroys the marine environment.  Out of the 45,000 tonnes of waste that is being generated in the GHMC limits, plastic waste constitutes 25,000 tonnes. 

“If we let this to continue, we won’t be able to give clean air and water to the next generations,” Padma said expressing concern over growing threat to environment due to plastic. Further, she said that this was not only the government’s responsibility but also that of each and every individual to strive towards creation of a plastic-free environment. Every third day of the week, she conducts awareness programmes in Golnaka region. Padma feels that media has to play a key role in creating awareness not only to the literates but also to the illiterate masses.

Her objective is to see Golnaka totally free from plastic and set an example for other regions to emulate the same by completely eliminating the use of plastic bags. Firm implementation of laws governing ban on single use plastic bags coupled with people’s participation, a sea change can be brought about in Golnaka region, said Padma adding, that it would help preserve healthy environment for the posterity. Major chemicals that go into the making of plastic are highly toxic and pose serious threat to all species on earth. It would cost huge amount of money to find alternatives to plastic as a lot of research has to be done and various studies have to be undertaken. 

One of the solutions to the problem of plastic waste generation is recycling them. How to reduce plastic use? Everywhere we come across plastic including homes, offices, schools, hospitals, factories. “In fact, our surroundings are dominated by products made from this material, she said. 

We live in the age of plastics; bright, attractive, colorful, long-lasting, relatively inexpensive substances whose invention has revolutionized the manufacturing industry. Plastic has its own advantages. Unfortunately, they also bring problems to us close on their heels. One of the problems is generation of vast quantity of waste material.” 

BY D Rajesh