A visit to Plastic Vikalp Mela

As rightly said, ‘Plastic pollution free world is not a choice but a commitment to life – a commitment to the next generation.’ In an effort to save the planet, the Government has imposed a ban on single-use plastic in India starting from July 1, 2022. In light of this, the Delhi government organized a three-day mega fair Vikalp Plastic Mela from July 1 to July 3, 2022, in Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi. The mega fair aimed to spread awareness of the single-use plastic ban in the country and promoted its alternatives. The students of GDSPS had the opportunity to visit the Plastic Vikalp Mela. Sh. Gopal Rai, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, inaugurated the event. The students visited various stalls displaying several single-use plastic alternatives such as cutlery made from sugarcane residue and cornstarch that can be used in everyday life to reduce pollution. Many start-ups, NGOs, and Self-Help Groups participated in the mega fair with the aim to promote sustainability. These groups and organizations recycle plastic wrappers and newspapers to make everyday items such as bags, notebooks, file covers, mats, decoration items, and cutlery. Some groups and organizations also use eco-friendly raw materials such as bamboo sticks and betel leaves and clay. This great initiative was highly acknowledged by the spectators. It was a great learning experience sensitizing the students towards the environmental crisis.