Grappling with the plastic menace has been probably the biggest challenge of rapid urbanisation. Plastic has become a part of everyone’s day-to-day life and hence it was always going to be a daunting task to get rid of it completely. However, unperturbed by the monumental task that it is, cities have geared up to take it on.

Karnataka’s capital Bengaluru is one of the cities that have employed innovation in getting everyone’s daily life rid of plastic use. Under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign, the "No Straw Nariyal Challenge" has been launched as a groundbreaking endeavour by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to address the pervasive issue of plastic waste associated with tender coconut vendors in every nook and corner of the city. Despite tireless efforts to curb single-use plastic, BBMP officials observed that many coconut vendors were persistently using plastic straws. The predicament was further exacerbated by the fact that paper straws, though less harmful, were both costlier and less readily available, making it difficult for vendors to transition away from plastic.

In response to this challenge, the BBMP decided to employ a proactive approach. The "No Straw Nariyal Challenge" was introduced not only to discourage the use of plastic straws but also to encourage the concept of "bring your own cup." Through a series of awareness campaigns, the BBMP aimed to instil eco-conscious practices among both vendors and consumers. Vendors were not only urged to eliminate plastic straws but also incentivised to embrace sustainable alternatives like serving coconut water without straws or offering eco-friendly options. This innovative step fostered a sense of responsibility among the coconut vendors as well as the public, highlighting that even the smallest changes in our daily routines can collectively make a substantial impact in the fight against plastic pollution across the vibrant streets of Bengaluru. The Challenge was conducted engaging around 50 coconut vendors at different spots in the city. The challenge was volunteered by Indian Plogman & Cupman(NGO) and participants of BBMP Marshals unit. A long journey always begins with the first step and the BBMP has just taken that right one.

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RKJ/M