A small effort at avoiding single-use plastic in everyday lives can lay the foundation for a greener future for our children, said G. Jayalakshmi, Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) and Special Officer of NTR District, on Saturday (March 15).

Participating in the Swachh Andhra-Swarnandhra programme at Jupudi, Ms. Jayalakshmi said this one step today can save many lives tomorrow. “Studies have shown that microplastics can enter blood and cause cancer. It is therefore important that every citizen makes it a resolve to work towards a greener future,” she said.

Ms. Jayalakshmi, along with District Collector G. Lakshmisha, Mylavaram MLA Vasantha Venkata Krishna Prasad and other district officials, visited the ‘Waste to Wealth’ centre and observed the process of making of vermicompost. Then, they planted samplings and participated in a ‘Grama Sabha’ where the officials educated villagers about the ill-effects of single-use plastic.

Under the Swacch Andhra-Swarnandhra programme, being held from January, awareness is being spread about the theme of this month—ban on use of single-use plastic—said Mr. Lakshmisha.

He added that awareness programmes and rallies are being organised to educate the public about the ill-effects of single-use plastic. “Plastic does not decompose in the ground. It remains there, as microplastics, for hundreds of years. This can harm one’s health,” the Collector said, urging the villagers to shift to using jute and cloth bags.

The officials, along with students from the village, took an awareness rally and went to a nearby shop and encouraged the customers and shopkeeper to use cloth bags.