No plastic bags for this fair, please

: The District Suchitwa Mission is spreading a ‘green message’ among Kochiites this Onam.

Eco-friendly bags will replace plastic ones at the sales counters of the Integrated Rural Development Programme (IRDP) Onam trade fair beginning here on August 22, thanks to the mission’s proposal to do away with plastic during the festival season.

Mission officials have also come up with an offer to encourage customers adopt eco-friendly products.

“We will provide an attractive eco-friendly bag to people who make purchases above Rs. 1,000. Care will be also taken to ensure 100 per cent compliance in our decision to make the fair a plastic-free zone,” said a senior official.

The Suchitwa Mission has directed the stall owners not to use plastic covers and bags. Stringent monitoring will be in place to identify violators.

Eco-friendly bags will be available at these stalls at cheaper rates for the benefit of the customers.