Kerala’s Kannur Is 100% Plastic-Free, Here Is How They Did It

As a state, Kerala has a lot of feathers in its cap, including but not limited to being the state with the highest literacy rate. Now, one of its districts, Kannur, has added another by becoming 100% plastic-free. It is one of the few states in India that are making earnest efforts to rid themselves of single-use plastic. Their efforts started quite some time ago and their eventual success is a testament to the persistence and commitment they have shown towards improving the planet.

Kannur In Kerala Is 100% Plastic-Free

We all know how harmful single-use plastic is to the environment. However, its convenience makes it seem utterly indispensable. Even the thought feels slightly daunting. However, Kannur in Kerala has managed to accomplish this seemingly impossible task.

A recent article published by The Times Of India highlights how the district managed to accomplish this remarkable feat. The article talked about a campaign that started quite some time ago. With the slogan ‘Nalla Nadu, Nalla Mannu,’ meaning ‘Good Village With Good Soil,’ the campaign set its sight on ridding the district of plastic.

The efforts had two main aspects, the first was curbing the use of plastic, and the second was providing an eco-friendly and affordable substitute for it. They accomplished both by first educating the people about the ills of plastic, and then attempting to systematically phase it out.

Also Read: PM Modi To Flag Off Kerala’s 1st Vande Bharat That Will Run On Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur Route

Handloom-Made Bags Encouraged

However, it is obvious that merely prohibiting plastic is not enough. In order to effectively omit its use, there should also be a viable alternative to it. Kannur managed to find this alternative in handloom-made bags. By being persistent in their efforts, they finally did it!

In April 2017, they managed to become the first district in India to become 100 per cent plastic-free. One of the major reasons it managed to accomplish this was because of its rule that people had to take permission from the district officers if they wanted to make use of single-use plastic for public gatherings.

Also Read: Women Are Allowed Only After 8 PM At This Shiva Temple In Kannur District In Kerala

What are you doing to ensure that you’re doing your bit in saving the environment? Let us know in the comments below!

Cover Image Credits: Canva Images