Plastic alternatives expo draws huge crowds
Tirupati: For the first time in the state, the Municipal Corporation of Tirupati (MCT) is organising a three-day national level eco-friendly products manufacturers exhibition in city from August 31 to September 2. The exhibition on the usage of plastic alternatives has been drawing huge response from the people, especially school students and women.
It may be noted that MCT had already declared that total plastic ban will be implemented from October 2. As a campaign for an alternative for plastic usage, the civic body planned this exhibition.
Commissioner V Vijaya Rama Raju invited the leading paper bags and Areca, banana extract plates, cups, spoons manufacturers from Tamil Nadu, AP, Telangana states. He also invited local cloth bags making companies to display their products.
The aim of the conducting of the plastic alternative expo is to create awareness among the denizens for avoiding the usage of plastic variety products in their day to day life.
Related to exhibition stalls, ``we came to know that there were many alternatives for plastic goods. Our people are harming nature by using plastic covers extensively. We have taken oath not to use plastic goods in future,’’ said K Annanaya and G Harika of 8th class students of TPPM high School.
In the exhibition many stalls were established which deal with paper bags, plates, cups, spoons, products of Areca leaves and other products. These products were available in affordable price. Small Areca leaf cups, plates are available at the rate of Rs 1 to Rs 4 only. These products are bio-degradable and eco-friendly.
Paper bags are available from Rs 3 to Rs 18 in the exhibition. Similarly cloth bags were also showcased and many Tirupati companies have placed their cloth bags with beautiful paintings. Those are available at the cost of Rs 5 to Rs 20 only. The bags can carry weight up to 10 kg.
“We are producing eco-friendly products like paper bags, boxes and other kinds at very low prices, but we are not getting any incentives or encouragement from state government,’’ expressed K Hymavathi, a seller of paper products in the exhibition.