Eco-Friendly Packaging Alternatives

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is launching a pilot program to replace plastic packaging with eco-friendly alternatives at three major temples in Chennai: Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple in Triplicane, Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore, and Marundeeswarar Temple in Thiruvanmiyur. The initiative aims to eliminate single-use plastic waste from packaging for religious offerings like flowers and fruits.

Vendors outside these temples will be encouraged to use biodegradable materials, including cloth bags, palm leaf containers, and recycled paper covers. The project, part of the Meendum Manjappai campaign promoting non-plastic alternatives, is a collaboration with Tamil Nadu’s Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

'This effort targets high-footfall areas like temples to raise awareness about sustainable practices,' said a TNPCB official. Depending on its success, the program could expand to other temples and public spaces statewide, marking a significant step toward reducing plastic pollution in Tamil Nadu.