Environmental ‘Tree’t: This NGO exchanges your plastic with saplings
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now,” is the tagline of a city Non-Government Organisation (NGO) which has taken up on themselves to curb plastic use among Mumbaikars.
Mission Green Mumbai is giving out saplings in exchange of plastic materials to citizens and shopping enthusiasts thronging to Growel’s shopping mall in Kandivali.
“Our effort is not to save the Earth; we are too small for that. We can only save ourselves. If you are breathing then you will have to grow your own oxygen,” said Subhajit Mukherjee, founder, Mission Green Mumbai (MGM).
Since the footfall is more on weekends in shopping complexes, the NGO decided to dedicate their Earth Day weekend in the mall by handing over tree saplings to people who are willing to give the NGO any plastic material which can be recycled. The green drive will be on for three days at Growel’s mall.
“Even if someone does not want a sapling, they can opt for a cloth bag. The whole point is to get rid of the plastic which people use in their day-to-day lives,” said Jitnendra Belani, a member of MGM. “The best part about the initiative is that each citizen can do his/her bit for the environment. They get tree saplings and can also get rid of their plastic,” he added.
The response of public has been welcoming as the NGO gave away close to 250 saplings to mall goers in less than a day. People happily gave away their plastic bags and water bottles in exchange for either bags or saplings.
“The feeling of getting a sapling is as good as adopting a child. And it will also have a role to play in the world. Really happy to be a part of the initative,” said Dhruvi Shore, a citizen.