Pemathang Gewog in Samdrup Jongkhar is leading a new initiative aimed at reducing use of plastics. The gewog is producing plates and mugs made with the sheaths of areca nut trees.
These environment friendly, disposable plates and mugs are to replace plastic cups and plates during public events and gatherings if things go well. The gewog supplied its first 300 sets of areca nut tree plates and mugs at the national day celebrations yesterday.
The gewog bought a machine worth Nu 600,000, which was officially inaugurated yesterday. A woman group in the gewog has been trained to operate the machine.
“During public gatherings, plastic plates and cups are widely used,” said Pema Choden, a member of the women’s group. “So, our main aim is to change that.”
“At the moment, we are focusing on protecting our environment by reducing use of plastic,” said Tashi Zangmo, another group member. “But gradually, as time goes by, we would like it to generate some income for us.”
“It is to keep our villages free of plastic waste,” said Bhuma Devi. “Plastics are such an eyesore. Our villages would become cleaner and beautiful if we get rid of them.”
At the inaugural yesterday, Samdrup Dzongda stressed on pricing the products reasonably for the sustainability and long-term viability of the initiative.
The Samdrup Jongkhar Initiative (SJI) will provide technical and marketing support.
