Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Feb 10: The Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) has distributed 15,000 cloth bags in different markets and among traditional vegetable sellers operating along highways across the state in a bid to get vendors and buyers accustomed to using an alternative to plastic. Another 10,000 cloth bags are in the making for distribution.

This is the first attempt by a state agency to provide an alternative to plastic bags. The bags also have the message ‘Clean Goa’ printed on them, although in the past voluntary organisations have earlier made sporadic efforts to distribute cloth and paper bags to sellers in markets across the state

“We often say that one should not use plastic bags, but vendors and buyers need to be shown an alternative. So we decided to provide cloth bags and make a start. We are distributing at least 10 to 20 bags to each vegetable seller along the highways. We expect this will raise some awareness and start a change somewhere,” GSBB member secretary Pradip Sarmokadam said.