Tribal Health Initiative (THI) organized an ‘anti-plastic rally’ on May 9th, 2008, in nine villages in and around the Sittilingi valley, to spread awareness about the hazards of plastics, particularly with regard to effects of plastics on soil fertility.

We, the staff of THI and our associates marched with posters explaining the need to reduce plastic usage.  Our main message to the people of the community was to reduce plastic bag usage while purchasing food and other commodities.  We informed people about the alternatives available, and reminded them about the merits of conventionally used cloth bags. We also educated the community on plastics being largely non-biodegradable, and eventually breaking down into more hazardous components.

We traveled to nine villages in total. Owners of all the ‘corner shops’ were particularly targeted, and asked to use paper instead of plastic. We also distributed free samples to get them started.  A local women farmers’ group also pitched in by agreeing to make these paper bags out of newspapers, and to distribute them to the shops in the villages.
It was truly heartening to see all the villagers actively participate in the discussion, on both sides of the plastics argument.  One member of the community boldly questioned the use of plastics at the hospital. In response, Dr. Lalitha, one of the founders of THI, raised the importance of being realistic about change, by beginning in our immediate circle of influence, and allowing complete change to come about gradually.  It was a day well spent, and it ended with cool sheets of early summer rain.

Tribal Health Initiative, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu
AID supports THI’s work in setting up health and education resource centers for tribal men and women.  For more information, please visit www.tribalhealth.org