Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Feb 15: An eco-friendly seating bench, an initiative by Canara Organization for Development and Peace (CODP), was inaugurated on Tuesday February 15 at Kadri Park here by corporator Shakeela Kava.
As many as 175 plastic bottles, 200 kg plastic and 750 kg of clay have been used to construct the eco-friendly bench at the park.
In the year 2018, Ida Nitsche, a student from Germany who was working with CODP for a few months implemented a project on eco-bricks in three schools. Getting involved with the students of Mangaluru, Ida raised awareness on waste management among young minds.
Upset at seeing waste being dumped in the surroundings, Ida inspired the eco brick project where plastic waste can be reused in an easy process. Plastic bottles stuffed with plastic bags, crisp packets and other non-biodegradable waste were turned into an eco-brick.
Addressing the gathering, corporator Shakeela Kava said, "Plastic has been used in the right manner to construct an eco-friendly bench at Kadri Park. Plastic is a menace to the environment and it is a challenge to dispose it. CODP has come up with a brilliant idea to reuse the plastic in constructing benches. I hope that CODP will take up such projects in other places as well."
CODP director Fr Vincent D Souza, in his presidential address, spoke on the concept of Self Help Groups, how the approach to CODP's developmental activities has changed from self help to empowerment and how the Self Help Groups are contributing to the process of development through such activities.
CODP programme manager Lenet Gonsalves said, "With the help of eco-bricks we have constructed such eco-friendly benches in 15 places including at Ullal beach, CODP office, schools in Bajpe and other schools as well."
CODP director Fr Vincent D Souza, assistant director of horticulture department Janaki V, Fr F X Gomes, president of Kalpavruksha Mahasangha, CODP's Jayalakshmi and others were present.
President of Kamadhenu Mahasangha, CODP, Sathyavathi welcomed the gathering, Jayalakshmi the proposed vote of thanks and Lenet Gonsalves compered the event.
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