Thiruvannathapuram: Magic tricks are expected when Green Army, Magic Academy and Thiruvananthapuram Corporation come together for an awareness campaign. However, some real magica transformation of the heart-has happened, as Magic Planet, associated with the Academy, has stopped using disposable cups and plates. The fact was confirmed by its founder Gopinath Muthukad, also a Swachh Ambassador.
From April 1, they have started using steel cups and plates, according to Magic Planet director Chandrasenan Mithrumala. "Disposal of waste generated at our cafeteria was a big problem. Now, we have let go of disposables. Moreover, we now ensure that no junk food nor carbonated drinks are sold here. It was difficult to implement this before, as the contractor managing the cafeteria was an outsider. Now we directly manage it. The water from washing the plates is used to water plants here," he says.
Meanwhile, the campaign has at its heart, an objective to spread awareness on source-level waste management, pre-monsoon cleaning and Corporation's swap shops. Magicians at the Academy as well as Green Army mentors are putting together a skit into which magic tricks are weaved. It will be performed at over 100 venues. Don't be surprised, if on the road you are stopped by someone who waves a magic wand at your plastic carry bag, to turn it into a cloth bag.
The skit has been named 'Sakudumbam Plastic'. It was written by Ashish S. Nair, a Green Army mentor. According to Green Army mentor Nandini M. S., it is about a family struggling to deal with plastic waste. There will be three performances a day. The campaign will be taken to all 100 wards. On Monday evening, a special performance was scheduled at Magic Academy for Mayor V. K. Prasanth and various standing committee chairpersons. The messages will not be limited to waste management, according to Green Army mentor Ashin Mohan. "The city is likely to face water shortage. So water conservation will also be mentioned," he says.
