Pune: We all always read and hear that environmental balance should be maintained and environmental degradation should be stopped. But nobody starts this social work from their selves. We have the desire, but sometimes the way or option may need to be made available.
Prashant Raul, an environmentalist from Indrayani Nagar-Bhosari, has found a similar path. Out of social consciousness, they are running the Free Green Army Plate Bank initiative, connecting thoughts with action. They have created a new ideal in society. ‘Use and throw’ is the current era. Therefore, even in small domestic events, use and throw dishes, bowls and spoons are now used. It causes a lot of waste. Presently we have a few tons of garbage accumulated in the Pune district every day, this figure is increasing, but the hands to pick it up are limited. Even more challenging is the disposal of waste.
Moreover, the market’s disposable coated dishes, bowls, spoons and glasses are bound to contain chemicals. If you eat or drink anything hot from it, it quickly goes into your stomach. As a viable alternative to all these, Mr Rahul has prepared a set of steel plates, bowls, glasses, and spoons for 90 people. They distribute it for free. For this, Sangh Swayamsevaks have contributed to making sets maximum. Demand for this is being recorded from many places. This initiative is being launched under the name of Green Army Plate Bank.
Plate bank?
For any small (up to 90 people) event at your home, the what’s app contact has been provided to meet the demand and register on which date and how many sets you want. The plate set can be booked as per your event date. Carry the plate set on the day of the event or a day before (as per requirement) and clean it afterwards. There is no charge if all utensils are cleaned.
However, if it is not possible to clean, the cleaning cost of Rs 1 per set has to be paid. It is given to needy women and taken from them to wash the dishes, and employment has also been made available to the needy. Twenty-five volunteers from Pimpri Chinchwad, such as Green Army, Vrikshamitra, Nisargaraja, Mitra Jeevanche, ECA, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh volunteers, are participating in this activity.
Along with Pimpri Chinchwad, there is good demand for this set from the Pune district, Lonavla, Satara, and Mumbai. Citizens come and take the sets and bring them and give them properly. Social organizations like Rotary Lions are also promoting this activity and registering demand. A spontaneous need for inclusive citizens from all walks of life is coming for the set.
#Everyone can start a plate bank in their area if they like the concept.
benefits
# Waste generated by Use & Throw plates will be stopped
# The money required for Use & Throw will be saved.
#Environment will be saved.
# There will be awareness about this among children and citizens.
They intend to implement this activity in every housing society. Environmental protection, waste management and health can be taken care of. Every society has various activities like small bhisi parties, birthdays, weddings, functions, anniversaries, baby showers, and big get together. If a set of such plates, bowls and spoons is prepared in society for everyone, everyone can use that facility. The Green Army Plate Bank initiative, which started with faith and social consciousness, now expects maximum participation of volunteers and citizens. The Plate Bank, launched on Akshaya Tritiya, now has around 90 sets (5-cup plates, glasses and spoons) available. Environment lovers should take advantage of this opportunity to use plate banks instead of using & Throw Cutlery, saving both money and the environment.
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