Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (MS)  

Mangaluru, Jul 22: Plastic is the biggest menace of the modern world. Plastic has a big share in the tonnes of solid waste that gets produced in metros every day. Though it is proved that plastic is detrimental to the health, no sincere effort is being made to reduce its use. 

In the state of Kerala, a unique attempt is being made to bring in change in that attitude of public towards the use of plastic. The pens, which are thrown after use, are manufactured in an eco-friendly manner. 

Differently-abled members of the self-help association of Adka near Bandiyodu of the state of Kerala, bordering the Dakshina Kannada district have taken a giant step in manufacturing eco-friendly pens. 

Adka is making an attempt to prepare these pens from paper. In addition, plants will be grown through these pens after they are used. 

Seeds of vegetables are put at the backside of these pens. If these pens are thrown into the mud after they are used, the seeds inside them sprout and grow into plants. This unique pen is being manufactured by the self-help association. Each pen costs between Rs 5 to 8. 

Though this eco-friendly pen does not have much market in Dakshina Kannada district, it has got more demand in other parts of the state. It is used in government functions and programmes as a model product. These pens are available in different colours and are attractive too. 

In addition to the eco-friendly pen, the members of this self-help association have succeeded in the manufacture and marketing of paper bags and umbrellas also.