Eco Ganesh Campaign 30th August, 2011
I'm not an environmentalist. I'm an Earth warrior. ~Darryl Cherney
The Eco GANESH campaign was taken up by the student members of the Ecological and Social Awareness Club of MVSR Engineering College. Two days ahead of the festival of Ganesh Chaturti an awareness exhibition was taken up. The main objective of this campaign was to spread awareness about the hazards of using idols made of plaster of paris (P.O.P) and highlight the benefits of using clay idols instead. Traditionally, clay was used to make Ganesh idols. Over the years however, plaster of Paris (POP), which is lighter and cheaper, has become the favored material to mould these idols. POP contains chemicals such as gypsum, sulphur, phosphorus, and magnesium. The dyes used to colour these idols contain mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and carbon. Plastic and thermocol accessories are used to decorate these idols. Such materials are not biodegradable, hence are toxic. Earlier the idols were quite small. Today a spirit of competitiveness pervades the celebrations, so the idols are becoming increasingly big in size and therefore increasing pollution. The event focused on highlighting the demerits of P.O.P idols. The venue chose was the open area in front of the canteen, the student density being obviously high there. The campaigning started at 12:50 pm and ended by 4:45 pm. There were colorful posters, banners and other interactive items put up all around the venue. A practical demonstration of the merits and demerit of using clay and P.O.P idols was also done with the help of a few exhibits. Also, people who were inspired by this campaign were asked to sign a pledge that they would use clay idols and spread awareness about the same in their social circles. Simultaneously clay idols were also sold to those who wanted to buy them. Due to unexpectedly high response from the public and underestimation of the same by the volunteers, only 15 idols were kept for sale and were sold out in the next half an hour, leaving the team surprised and happy. Everything used for this campaign was eco-friendly including all the posters, banners and other items. The response was overwhelming and a good number of people signed the pledge. Many lecturers and students who signed the pledge vowed to help expand the campaign in the future. Ideas and suggestions were given. Members and participants vowed to reach out to more people and spread awareness by word of mouth. Also, it was decided to take steps to make the clay idols (which are difficult to get) so that they are easily available to those interested in the future. This was a small step, an initiative, which promises to grow and help create a cleaner and greener environment. Hope. |