New Delhi: Weddings in India have become synonymous with lavish scale and the byproduct of the quintessential big fat Indian wedding is wastage – from food waste to disposable plastic cutlery and tonnes of garbage which is left unattended post the celebrations. Taking a step ahead towards tackling waste generated at weddings, many couples have started opting for Green Weddings. Recently, a couple from Udupi, Sudhakara – Harinakshi, went ahead with the first Green Wedding in Udupi. They tied the knot on Sunday at Thumbe Karkera Auditorium in Uchila. From their invites to food, the couple decided to go 100% plastic-free in their wedding. Similarly, for the wedding decorations, no materials that pollute the environment were used – natural flowers and decorative items made of cloth were used at the venue.
Instead of disposable plastic glasses used to serve soft drinks, the couple opted for steel tumblers and food was served on plates made from eco-friendly materials.
Inspired by couple’s green initiative, deputy commissioner Priyanka Mary Francis has now announced that in Udupi every couple, wedding caterers and planners should follow green protocol, she also mentioned that Green Crusaders like Sudhakara – Harinakshi and the caterers and planners who will follow the green practice will be honoured with certificates on October 2, 2017 as a part of Swachh Udupi mission.
From Udupi to Kerala, earlier this year, a couple from Alappuzha, Kerala also tied the knot following the Green Protocol. Starting with their stage decorations, food, and gifts, to garlands designed for the couple, all were made of things that are eco-friendly and does not lead to pollution. The couple, for the decorations, opted for coconut and fruits instead of flowers. This couple also ensured that no extra garbage was generated during their wedding affair and the waste generated was managed effectively by the waste pickers in accordance with the State Suchitwa Mission guidelines (the body that helps in ensuring proper sanitation, hygiene, and solid waste management in Kerala.)
Also Read: This Couple Organised An Eco-Friendly Wedding In Kerala And It Is Nothing Less Than An Inspiration
The government of Kerala aims to make Green and Eco-friendly weddings a part of the community soon in a big way
Kerala state as a part of its undergoing Suchitwa Mission has already passed the Green Protocol law in which usage of non-biodegradable items during weddings in Kerala is prohibited.
Speaking about the Green Protocol, C V Joy, Director (Operations), Suchitwa Mission, said the green-protocol was launched as part as part of the government’s anti-plastic drive and Green-Kerala Mission. The core objective of the initiative is to reduce the use of plastic in daily life.
While, Bijor Verghese, District Coordinator for Suchitwa Mission added, One wedding approximately leads to 100 kilograms of waste generation; if everyone starts adopting this green protocol just like these couples then India can soon fulfill the dream of becoming a Swachh country.
Besides Green Protocol, a couple from Bihar who tied the knot in July took eight pheras instead of the traditional seven, an extra phera was taken by the couple in order to promote cleanliness and support the mega drive of Clean India by 2019.
The target of Clean India is to construct 11 crore toilets by 2019, however, only building toilets will not help India meet the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan goal. Currently, India is facing huge waste management issues, and it has become mandatory to fix country’s waste woes in order to meet the Swachh target. Delhi’s Ghazipur landfill which collapsed recently shows the grim reality of India’s metros. Thanks to swachh warriors like these couples, who are doing their bit to save the planet and keep the hope of a Clean India alive.
