Kochi: Making household articles from plastic waste

KOCHI: During the times when plastic waste has become a major menace and its management is one of the most debated topics, efforts of K.K. Manoharan, who bagged this year's P.V Thampi memorial endowment award for environment conservation, assume much significance. A daily labourer from Naduvattom in Malappuram district, he makes beautiful gift materials and household articles from discarded plastic.

Manoharan collects discarded plastic straps and other such materials to make beautiful flower pots, mats, baskets and other decorative household items which are being gifted or sold for a meagre price.

"I started making household products from plastic trash more than 15 years ago. I know weaving which helped me to make gifts and beautiful products from plastic packaging materials and other trash. I have been giving awareness sessions on plastic waste management for last several years. The future generations will be in peril unless single-use plastic products are totally banned," he said.

While selecting him for the 22nd P.V Thampi memorial endowment award, the committee observed that through his noble efforts Manoharan is propagating a relevant message of plastic waste management and is a role model for environment protection. The award ceremony will be held on November 1 in Kochi.

Suresh Kurup, MLA, will give away the award, consisting of Rs.25,000 and a memento, to Manoharan.The environment experts observe that people themselves have to find out effective ways to curb use of plastic and reuse of plastic products as the State governments and local bodies often fail to implement rules for plastic waste management including the recent ban on single-use plastic.