When Kharghar resident Chhaya Taralekar, an environmental activist, decided to celebrate her birthday, she wanted to do it in a novel way. Sustainable activities and concern for environment have underpinned all her efforts and she wanted her birthday to be no different.

“Some meaningful activity will gain more attention rather than throwing a lavish birthday party,” she said.

Tree plantation, a cause close to her heart, was the usual mode of celebration. However, this year, Taralekar chose a Sustainable Development Goal of promoting sustainable use of plastics through a drastic reduction of plastic production.

With an aim to curb the menace of single use plastic bags, Taralekar decided to make reusable cotton bags from old cloths.

Since last two months she has been collecting old cloths from various sources including households and friends.

She then requested neighbourhood ladies from economically weaker sections to stich simple cotton bags for token remuneration.  

She later distributed cotton bags to women as a token of love and respect, reminding them to discard and avoid all kinds of single-use plastic bags.

“We are well aware of the devastating impact of single-use plastic. Every plastic bag we use leaves a terrible footprint on our health, natural resources, and overall environment, contributing to growing filth and clutter around us. The need of the hour is to change our mindset,” she said.

At a Haldi-Kumkum event held last month, 200 cotton bags were distributed, spreading awareness and encouraging women to take a pledge not to buy anything in single-use plastic bags.

“This initiative began a couple of months ago with the support of numerous individuals, NGOs, and my active involvement. Since then, a massive collection drive of old cotton curtains, discarded bedcovers, and used cotton clothes has been underway, bringing together hundreds of hands,” Taralekar said.

“Today, I proudly hold 20,100 repurposed cotton bags. To further support this cause, I also sourced affordable cotton cut pieces and stitched new reusable bags—all with the sole purpose of protecting our environment,” she said.

“The stitching of these bags provides a source of livelihood to women supporting their families. Even the extra unused fabric pieces are creatively repurposed into bathroom mats and other useful items,” she said.

Beyond this, she is personally visiting societies and individuals, encouraging them to segregate plastic and dry waste at source. Specially designated bags are distributed to the households, provided by recycling agencies, ensuring a Zero Dry Waste policy in homes.