A four-month-long plastic cleaning campaign called the ‘Plastic Pollution Prevention Program,’ aimed at preventing plastic pollution in ocean, as well as raising awareness and discouraging plastic use, was inaugurated in Cox’s Bazar on Thursday.
Plastic pollution is threatening the health of oceans worldwide, endangering marine life and deteriorating seabed ecosystems. The cleanliness drive was launched in response to plastic pollution.
The campaign was officially launched on Thursday at 11:00am at Sugandha Point on Cox's Bazar beach, jointly organized by the District Administration and Bidyanondo Foundation. On the inaugural day, two ‘Plastic Exchange Stores’ were set up at Sugandha Point and Sea-Gull Point. Tourists can now exchange single-use plastic bottles for various gifts. Additionally, a ‘Plastic for Groceries’ market was introduced for local residents, benefiting around 400-500 underprivileged families by allowing them to trade plastic for essential goods. On the first day alone, more than 4 metric tons of plastic were collected.
According to Mubarak Hossain, Bidyanondo Foundation's local coordinator, this program is expected to collect over 100 metric tons of plastic this year. The collected plastic will be fully recycled through contracts with renowned recycling companies. Part of the plastic will also be repurposed to create a public awareness sculpture.
At Sugandha Point, a large makeshift supermarket has been set up, offering a variety of daily necessities. Local people can now exchange plastic for goods, with rates set higher than the standard market value. For example, 1 kg of plastic, which plastic collectors typically buy at Tk 20 to Tk 30, will be bought at Tk 50 to Tk 80 at this market. With 1 kg of plastic, people can get 1 kg of rice or six eggs. Shoppers can choose from 19 different items, providing them with more purchasing freedom.
HM Ershad, president of Bangladesh Environmental Movement (BAPA) Cox's Bazar, said plastic pollution is worsening in the sea every day. Tourists leave various plastic items on the beach, which then enter the ocean. Awareness on this issue is essential.
Mohammad Jamal Uddin, a board member of the Bidyanondo Foundation, explained, at the ‘Plastic Exchange Store,’ tourists can win gifts by submitting single-use plastic bottles. Launched for four months, this initiative by the Cox's Bazar District Administration and Bidyanondo Foundation provides tourists with gifts in exchange of plastic, while the destitute can trade collected plastic for essential items.
The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Bidyanondo Foundation's board member Mohammad Jamal Uddin. Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Nizam Uddin Ahmed and other administrative officials were also present at that time.
