29 Nov.: 2nd meeting of Group formed to reduce the use of plastic + appeal for support

The campaign would be operated under the name of ‘FRIENDS OF NATURE’.

It was decided to create pockets starting from Santacruz stn (east) to Kalina (up to Golden Square on CST road and up to Indian Airlines quarters on Kalina – Kurla road). 23 such pockets were created. (See attachment)

It was further decided that the focus should be on creating awareness within the residents themselves. Each coordinator would create a team that would further communicate with societies through its residents. There would be a signature campaign where residents would take a pledge of following certain rules (see pledge form). This step has been given the utmost importance, since the success of the program depends on the manner in which this signature has been obtained. There would be a team that would address every society/household, creating awareness, rather than sending the form with the watchman and gathering signatures. A pamphlet, containing information regarding do’s and don’ts will be simultaneously circulated to strengthen awareness. Every society which joins this campaign will be given a “FRIENDS OF NATURE” certificate, which can be put up on its main gate.

Each team would also communicate with the shops/ hawkers/ establishments in their areas to include them in this campaign. Even they have to take a pledge to stop providing plastic carry bags from their shops/ stalls.

Establishments would take a pledge of creating this awareness within their employees.

To motivate hawkers and shopkeepers to join this campaign, residents would be encouraged to buy their stuff only from those vendors, who display the “FRIENDS OF NATURE” certificate.

Residents of societies in a particular area would be motivated to donate a week’s stock of newspaper/ any paper ‘raddi’ and old sarees. Teams would be formed in the slum pockets of that area, which will collect this material and prepare paper and cloth bags to be sold at a cheap rate as a substitute to plastic bags.

Bags made of some thin material that can be easily folded and carried in the pocket will be distributed free to those who sign the pledge to create awareness (obviously depending on the availability). The bag will have two qualities;

1.    When folded, it wont take space more than our kerchief,

2.    The design itself would be a fashion statement, with a logo of ‘FRIENDS OF NATURE ‘on it.

Round badges with the logo of ‘FRIENDS OF NATURE’, that can be pinned up would be distributed to those who sign on a separate pledge of responsibility of supervision. The badge has to be worn when outside with responsibility to create awareness as also for supervision.

We solicit honorary support from fellow members and associations in the following fields;

Technical Support/ Advice:

1.      From professionals in designing and registering the logo for this campaign.

2.      From professionals in creating the design and matter for the pamphlet that would be distributed for awareness. (The basic matter and idea is ready)

3.      From professionals in the textile and related industry, who can help us in selecting the cloth material and creating a trendy bag design. Also needed would be anyone with tailoring skills, who could train locals in cutting and sewing the sarees/ cloth into simple efficient bags.

4.      From manufacturers of badges who can provide us the badges at near to production cost.

5.      Last but not the least, a support from media personnel, who can partner with us in creating awareness and carry the message to every corner of the society. I feel that the level of awareness, regarding the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment is quite good as compared to a few years back. Especially after the floods of 26^th July, many Samaritans have already carried out the work of creating awareness regarding this matter. It is pure lethargy that stops an individual from implementation, despite the awareness and desire. I am sure that Santacruz is as similar to any other area in Mumbai with regards to the presence of people caring for the environment. The ease with which I could team up with individuals who share the same objectives can be replicated in any corner of Mumbai, provided our efforts are mobilized in the right direction.

The media, I feel can play a pivotal role over here.

Finances involved and the present status:

1.      For pamphlets (100,000) to be distributed for awareness – An upcoming local branch of a cooperative bank has agreed to fund these pamphlets and is awaiting sanction from their higher authorities.

2.      Registration and Pledge forms – Copies will be taken out by the individual societies.

3.      Banners and Posters – Societies have agreed to bear the cost of the same.

4.      Name and logo registration – we are at present unaware of the process and the cost involved.

5.      Foldable bags to be distributed free of cost (approx 50,000 quantity) – For this we would like to invite sponsors to fund either in part or the whole expense. The name of the sponsor would be displayed on one side of the bag, whereas the other side would carry our logo and message.

6.      A launch function that would be held either on 27^th Dec. (last Sunday of the year) or on 26^th Jan.  2010. Details for the same are yet to be finalised and sponsors if willing are welcome to participate in mutually discussing the matter.

·        Besides sponsoring a particular expense, the sponsor also has to sign the pledge and in principle be a part of this campaign.

·        The sponsor will have to pay the amount directly to the manufacturer/ supplier