Awareness programmes to protect the environment
by Chanuka Mannapperuma
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Some products of eco-friendly volunteers
Pic By: Kavindra Perera
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Awareness Programmes on environmental pollution protection are in the
news today, more than ever before. All prefer beautiful and clean
surroundings and a closeness to nature.
But human activities could cause dramatic changes to the environment
that are largely unknown and potentially devastating. Among others
polythene (sili-sili) bags have caused great environmental pollution.
The polythene bags are available in plenty and are given free at the
grocery counters and at supermarkets. We make use of them for
convenience. But in the end, it causes environmental pollution.
Polythene bags are not biodegradable that is, they do not deteriorate
into micro organisms living in the soil. They remain in the soil and
thus reduce the fertility of the soil. Accumulation of rain water
provide fine breeding grounds for mosquitoes. When these bags are burnt
toxic gases are released but, we continue to use them and complain that
are no alternatives.
All people who visit places of scenic beauty, religious worship, or
even places of national interest dump shopping bags and other garbage.
President of the Eco Friendly Volunteers, Kanchana Weerakoon told the
Sunday Observer that they have started the environmental awareness
campaign six years ago. They have launched many volunteer projects in
many places, including 'Sri Pada'. At Sri Pada they provided paper bags
free as an alternative to the sili-sili bags.
She said, a campaign will be launched this year among supermarkets in
Colombo and request shoppers to buy a cloth bag which Rs.50 as an
alternative to shopping bags. Those who love to protect environment can
buy it at the counter.
She said, different sizes of pan bags, gunny bags, paper bags and
t-shirts are available to meet the demand.
She further added, "We have around 50 members in our team, and we do
research about migrating birds as well. Up to now nobody had done
research about the Spot-billed Pelican (migrating bird) but we did. We
are looking at ways, to breed them. In April we also plan to do
environmental researches at Audile in April.
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| These programmes include one of our best
awareness programs for pregnant mother's by way of listening to
melodies of birds, animals, yoga and other physical exercises. The
venue will be Sarvodaya, Moratuwa on the last Sundays of every
month, the response is good admired and this will be launched in
Islandwide. Dr. Upali Marasinghe and Dr. Harshani conduct this
two-hour program. For more information about this eco-V visit
www.eco-v.org. Protecting the environment is the responsibility of
all and not one person. But if one takes such interest, why not
others?Let us all help in their endeavour. |
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