Kerala comes out with green wedding protocol

Wedding ceremonies in Kerala are all set to become ‘green’, with the state government coming out with a green protocol to make the auspicious occasions more nature-friendly.

With the implementation of the protocol, plastic and other non-degradable articles, including disposable glasses, plates and thermocol decorations, will be kept at bay from marriage functions.

Instead of this, people will be persuaded to use tumblers, plates and other utensils made of glass and environment-friendly metals, official sources said.

Inspections will be held at marriage halls, convention centres and hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony and action will be taken if the protocol is violated, they said.

Suchitwa Mission, the state nodal agency for sanitation, has already launched the initiative in Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha on a pilot basis.

C V Joy, director (Operations), Suchitwa Mission, said the green protocol was launched as part of the government’s anti-plastic drive and Green Kerala Mission.

“The core objective of the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic in daily life. Plastic articles, including glasses and plates, are used in large numbers during functions, especially marriage ceremonies,” he said.

With the effective implementation of the protocol, the amount of plastic could be reduced in the long run. “We can reuse, recycle and reduce plastic. But, even if we reuse such non-degradable articles, there will not be much decline in its presence. So, reducing its use is the most effective way to achieve our plastic-free society goal,” he said.

The mission has joined hands with district administrations, panchayat authorities and socio-cultural and religious outfits.
PTI