Gurugram: Fresco residents say no to plastic, embrace cotton bags

In a bid to make the society plastic-free, the residents of Fresco, a residential society in Sector 50 of Gurugram city, launched an awareness campaign against the use of plastic bags.

Considering the adverse effects of the plastic on the environment, the RWA of the society has clamped a blanket ban on plastic bags and has taken an initiative to distribute cloth bags among the flats. Even the shopkeepers have been asked to avoid using plastic bags.

Nilesh Tandon, President of Fresco RWA, said, “Initially, we spoke to shopkeepers in the society's market, and asked them to stop using plastic and NWPP bags. Later, we distributed cloth bags in all 800 flats of society.”

Tandon further said, “People are becoming aware of the hazards of plastic. They have started carrying cotton bags. Even the delivery people are doing the same. Earlier, flowers used to be delivered in plastic bags. Now, the delivery person has started using paper bags. We are doing our bit and are ready to extend help to others who want to follow suit.”

No one is allowed to bring polythene inside the society premises. To ensure compliance, a 48-member team has been formed. These members will work in pairs in two-hour shifts during morning (7 am-9 am) and evening (6 am-8 am). Their aim is to discourage people from using plastic bags.

Sanjeev Sharma, a resident of the society said, “Every morning and evening, volunteers request servicemen, delivery persons and others to stop using plastic bags. They keep two cartons with them, one filled with used plastic bags and the other with cotton bags. If a person brings a plastic bag, these volunteers convince him to replace the plastic bag with the cloth one.”

Apart from this, handbills were also pasted on walls to convey the message to the residents.

Underlining the importance of plastic-free society, DV Taneja, a senior citizen and member of Lions Club informed that they are planning to distribute cloth bags to housekeeping staffs, domestic helps, and guards. 

Taneja said, “It is our responsibility as a citizen to safeguard environment. People will now use only cloth bags. It is a welcome change.”

Another resident, Viola Jha expressed her enthusiasm while contributing to this noble cause.

She said, “It is difficult to change old habits. But people are gradually accepting it and trying to inculcate the change in life.  Even children are actively participating and motivating others to discourage use of plastic bags.”