Earth Alliance conducted a sensitization workshop on the Management of Multi-Layered Plastic (MLP) and Single-Use Plastic (SUP) in collaboration with the Mumbai Sustainable Center, Dalmia Cement Factory (Processing Partner), Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC), Clean Mokokchung Campaign (CMC), and the Department of School Education, Nagaland at DC’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung on 11th October 2023.
Rishi Aggarwal, Founder of the Mumbai Sustainable Center, gave a presentation on managing MLP waste through the Safai Bank of India program, initiated in July 2018. He encouraged individuals to ask themselves questions like, “Am I willing to act responsibly in managing my waste?” and “Do I want to protect the forests and natural beauty around Mokokchung?”
Agarwal also provided insights during the Technical Session on Safai Bank of India’s initiatives for managing MLPS/SUPs.
Rishi Aggarwal, Founder of the Mumbai Sustainable Center in Mokokchung on 11th Oct 2023
Discussing further on plastic waste solution, he explained that Safai Bank of India program has a simple and effective methodology for managing MLP waste, enabling clean and unsoiled collection at the source, concentrating large volumes of MLP waste at a few locations, diverting MLP waste from municipal collection systems and city dumping grounds, facilitating secure and responsible disposal, and significantly reducing MLP waste pollution.
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Stating that “DON’T BIN IT, BANK IT” was the slogan of the Safai Bank of India program, Aggarwal pointed out that while there are slogans about banning plastic everywhere, it’s impossible to completely ban plastic, especially MLPs, which are generated in large numbers daily and are not recyclable. He said rag pickers do not collect them due to their lack of economic value, leading to accumulation at dumping grounds which clog city drains and cause pollution. He concluded by urging students and attendees to be part of the movement as a way to show gratitude to the earth and “Be grateful to Nature.”
Thangi Mannen, Founder of Earth Alliance
Thangi Mannen, Founder of Earth Alliance, while introducing the workshop, mentioned that the Dalmia Cement Plant is co-processing plastic waste and has volunteered to collect plastic waste from three districts: Kohima (KMC), Dimapur (DMC), and Mokokchung (MMC), with DMC as the final collection site. The transportation of waste has been arranged with Nagaland State Transport (NST) at no cost.
Mannen stressed that schools and MMC are the king roles in this effort and urged them to collect plastic waste cleanly, without mixing it with unwanted dirt, as segregation efforts would otherwise be ineffective.
A slideshow on the Dalmia Cement Plant for co-processing plastic waste was presented during the event.
Abienuo Jasmine Ashao, speaking on behalf of MMC, commended Earth Alliance’s efforts and said that the problem is present in the society and everyone is a part of the problem. She encouraged becoming ambassadors for sustainable plastic disposal and assured MMC’s support and cooperation.
Limaonen, from the Clean Mokokchung Campaign, explained that the campaign, initiated in 2018, aimed to address plastic waste issues in the district through awareness programs and collection. However, problems arose when the waste ended up at the MMC dumping site, leading to villagers requesting an end to waste burning. He expressed gratitude for the solution offered by Earth Alliance and emphasized that success would come if schools and citizens work together.
Nineteen schools, each represented by one teacher and five students, attended the program. The event saw interactive question and answer sessions between school teachers, students, and the organizing team. Temjensangla, Convener of Earth Alliance, Mokokchung, concluded the program.
