Banks take up green initiative in Kollam

KOLLAM: Customers carrying plastic carry bags to any of the Indian Bank branches here will get cloth bags in exchange, as part of its green banking initiative. Banks in the district, including new generation banks, will implement green protocol as directed by Suchitwa Mission from May 1. They will also apply the protocol in all its banking services. They have decided to avoid disposable items including plastic and paper plates, cups, plastic water bottles, flex hoardings, and banners inside and their functions complying with the green protocol.

“The main agenda is to promote reusable items made of steel and glass," A. Padmakumar, the lead bank manager, told DC. "The banks will have eco-friendly banners in front and have stickers inside the branches to create awareness on avoiding plastic among customers. All other banks will also be given the direction to follow this. They can even carry their logo on cloth bags.”

These banks will also come forward offering financial aid to units producing alternatives to plastic including cloth and paper bags following the state and Union government norms. They also look forward to associating with agencies renting out reusable steel and clay vessels. “The district Suchitwa Mission will give orientation classes to bank managers on green protocol. Promotion of alternative products will be a boost to self-help groups engaged in this sector,” Suchitwa Mission district coordinator G. Krishnakumar told DC.