Kollam: The Catholic churches under Kollam diocese will be brought under the ‘Green Protocol’ in solidarity with the Swatch Bharat and Haritha Kerala Mission activities. The Church will direct the believers to avoid the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable items during sermons and implement Green Protocol in private functions, including marriages.
“The decision was taken at a meeting of Suchitwa Mission representatives with Kollam bishop Dr. Stanley Roman. Avoiding disposables is the best way to handle garbage generated in our environment. The implementation of Green Protocol is part of the agenda to bring down the quantity of garbage produced,” Mr G. Krishnakumar, Suchitwa Mission district coordinator, told DC.
The use of ceramic and steel plates will be promoted in churches by setting up facilities for washing and reusing the vessels and avoiding paper cups and plates. The churches will also avoid small plastic cups used to serve wine and ice cream during functions. Instead of plastic products, including flex hoardings, environment-friendly materials including jute, paper and cloth will be used during Christmas and other celebrations.
The diocese will also arrange facilities for collecting sorted garbage at major spots under its jurisdiction. The Green Protocol envisages reducing the quantity of garbage generated, promoting the maximum usage of reusable materials, eliminating non-biodegradable materials by avoiding disposables, producing compost from biowaste and promoting recycling of non-biodegradables.
