In a bid to encourage the use of eco-friendly materials in electioneering and to address all related queries, the District Suchitwa Mission opened a stall at the Kollam collectorate on Wednesday.
Guiding the candidates how to go plastic-free, the stall showcases an array of options in jute, cloth, straw mats, and leaves.
District Collector S.Karthikeyan inaugurated the stall and released the Suchitwa Mission’s green logo designed for the purpose by artist Anjana Shimon.
Assistant Collector S.Ilakiya and Suchitwa Mission district coordinator G. Sudhakaran spoke.
“We are helping political parties choose the right material suiting their specifications. Instead of plastic flex boards they can go for jute. Jute rolls are available in all measurements they need and they can also use woven coconut fronds to make banners,” says U.R. Gopakumar, assistant coordinator, District Suchitwa Mission.
The stall also promotes the use of plantain and colocasia leaves instead of plastic signages. “There are many green options ideal for the one-month time frame of the Lok Sabha polls and we are also encouraging them to make huge biodegradable waste bins,” he says.
The stall also has a list of graffiti artists who will create banners in biodegradable material instead of vinyl and thermocol.
“We have exhibited their details, including contact numbers, at the stall. By going green this election we are also providing jobs to many people. Many graffiti artists had left the field due to lack of opportunities, but now they are coming back,” he says. As part of adhering to the green protocol, the district administration has also instructed all officials on election duty to go by the norms. ‘The District Collector has directed not to use disposable material for office purposes and switch to reusable plates and glasses.”
Representatives of political parties, who were present, too have extended their full cooperation, he adds.
