Campus says ‘No’ to plastic

With environmental consciousness scaling new heights amidst the general public, students and teachers of St Joseph’s College (Autonomous) are stepping up and joining hands in the global struggle against plastic in a local level.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Ebenezer Wilson, HOD of Environmental Science, says the Seasons’ Nature Club encourages students on the environmental drive collecting plastic all over campus. “It is not sufficient if only students take initiative. The management must equally facilitate action against the plastic usage on campus, especially in the canteen.”

A small step for a big cause

“Pollution of any kind must be curbed at its source and the entry of plastic into the campus must be stopped. The easy use-and-throw culture must change to give priority to the environment first,” he emphasised strongly.

An ample amount of plastic is found around the canteen. With regard to that, Madhu Kiran, canteen staff validates, “Plastic plays an indispensable role in everyday life and the generations now cannot do without this essential commodity.”

But on their part, the canteen staff is taking measures to control the plastic menace. “We are using alternatives such as recycled cups and plates. Further we are mainly making use of steel plates which are sustainable and reusable,” adds Madhu.

Varalakshmi K. of II PMC feels that adequately placed dustbins in College are a boon and most students are generally environment conscious. “We are responsible to the environment and its conservation for ourselves and future generations,” she reiterates.

The College’s National Service Scheme (NSS) and Centere for Social Concern are equally endeavouring on the same campaign. Varun Jagannath, NSS Co-ordinator says, “We promote awareness on the hazards of plastic and as an association undertake numerous ventures to control plastic usage within campus.”

He also feels long-term sustainable initiatives such as minimising plastic usage over a gradual period of time and employing alternatives such as eco-friendly clay vessels.

Kushal Bagchi, I MCZ and Saurabh Sharma, I PEM believe that as students more active participation and research must be encouraged to find out environment-friendly substitutes to plastic. “More restraint on plastic usage must be exercised on campus,” they add.

Overall the responsibility and personal awareness among students and staff is high in terms of environment consciousness and the need of the hour is large-scale organised processes against plastic.

- Allan Moses, II M S Com