Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Paper bag option cannot be taken lightly

— Photo: S. R. Raghunathan

Some groceries continue to use paper as a packaging material.

CHENNAI: Issues concerning waste management are getting more attention than before as the hazards posed by unscientific disposal of garbage no longer remain mere threats. There is growing awareness among the people about the need to put in place necessary systems to control and handle waste.

At a recent public interaction, a resident suggested that the Chennai Corporation direct builders of apartment complexes to ensure proper methods to dispose of garbage. A buyer would not grudge a few thousand rupees for better disposal methods, he pointed out. Corporation Commissioner Rajesh Lakhoni said, “It is a good suggestion and we will think over it.”

The need for proper disposal methods stems from different types of waste generated. The improper disposal of plastic waste, particularly carry bags, mobile phones and PET bottles, is not just an eyesore but also a threat to the environment. Though technology is available to convert plastic waste into value-added products or cost-effective granules, little is being done to prevent plastic litter.

“Due to poor waste management, the plastic waste is more visible in India. The concept of creation of plastic waste management centre at least in cities should become a reality,” says CIPET’s Director General S.K. Nayak.

The practice of using paper as alternative is prevalent in a few upmarket book and knick-knack shops and those that sell branded imported items. Organisations such as Exnora and women self-help groups buy old newspapers to make bags but these can be used to carry lightweight items only.

R. Suhasini of Thiruninravur recently set up her own paper bag-making unit, with 12 workers, has sent out samples to prospective customers. “Most of the sale is done during marriages and festival season,” she admits. High-end customers such as apparel outlets and book shops require high quality paper that she cannot afford to make.

Exnora International general secretary M. Chidambaram recalls the effort of a supermarket chain to encourage customers to bring their own cloth bag. “In the Mylapore area, about half-a-dozen upmarket shops use paper bags,” he says. “Some shops have reverted to plastics because it is cheaper.”

K.V. Rammesh, proprietor of Rambo Enterprises, Madhavaram, supplies to wedding caterers. “A plastic bag costs as little as Re.1 but the minimum price of a paper bag is Rs.3.50. I have been in this field for eight years. It is also difficult to break the mindset that plastic is lighter and can hold more weight than a paper bag.” In India, only one company manufactures paper of international specification. The cost is prohibitive as the company requires prior payment. Quality paper bags that can hold a cup of water are made from scrap imported from abroad. “Containers that come from abroad bring packages wrapped in paper. But we don’t know when and what quantity we will get. Besides, the sale of the scrap paper is controlled by a few people at the harbour. It is difficult to deal with them,” Mr. Rammesh says.

Women like Ms. Suhasini continue their effort in a small way by conducting training sessions and encouraging small shops to use paper bags.

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