They lie at homes and offices for a while, but after a period of time, the raddiwalla takes them away for a small price.
The Archdiocesan Youth Commission (AYC) and Catholic for Social Action (Youth Centre) have come up with a new way to do away with magazines and souvenirs, keeping in mind the environment.
The Mount Mary fair, which begins on September 12, will witness an eco-friendly stall put up by the youth centre at the steps of Mount Mary church. The church witnesses lakhs of devotees duringthe fair.
“Around 10,000 kg of black chanas are sold during the fair. If we make bags out of magazines and souvenirs that we normally throw away, it would reduce the plastic waste,” said Fr Anthony J Fernandes, director of AYC.
“The drive is the result of the stand taken by the church that the year be celebrated as ‘Care for Creation’ year. We are taking up several eco-drives and this is one of them. It is done through youths as they are the future, and it is easier to reach out to people through them.”
The stall will be handled by youths from the age group of 16-25 years. The group has already collected around 70 kg of souvenirs and a dozen banners for the cause. The banners will be used to make pouches and bags.
The stall will have T-shirts with messages on eco-awareness drives, paper bags, cloth bags, pouches and carry bags. Saplings will also be sold and parishioners will be encouraged to plant one in their society.
Black chana and sweets are offered to the deities by a large number of non-Christians who visit the fair.
“Our Mahila Kendra will make decorative pouches and bags out of the banners,” added Fernandes. The church also expects to raise funds to start a larger awareness drive early next year.
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