Mangaluru: About 1,200 old saris have been repurposed into reusable cloth bags by students of St Aloysius Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Mangaluru, as part of an initiative to encourage alternatives to single-use plastic.The bags were made by students at the ITI with the assistance of two staff members. On Gandhi Jayanti on Thursday, 1,000 handmade bags were distributed to the public during an awareness initiative organised by the institute in association with Hasiru Dala, Sooji Malige self-help group, Lions Club Mangaluru and Leo Club, St Aloysius ITI.The initiative was based on the reduce, reuse and recycle concept, with students reusing discarded saris and cloth instead of allowing them to go to waste.The Gandhi Jayanti programme also featured an awareness procession from St Aloysius ITI to Bunts Hostel, Mallikatte. Students and participants used the procession to spread messages on cleanliness, environmental responsibility and responsible citizenship.St Aloysius ITI principal Roshan D’Souza emphasised the need to reduce unnecessary consumption and make greater use of reusable materials.Dakshina Kannada Working Journalists Association president Pushparaj GS, who was the chief guest, spoke about the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi’s principles, including cleanliness, self-discipline, education, equality and responsibility in everyday life.The reuse initiative was carried out through the institute’s sewing technology trade, giving students an opportunity to apply their skills to an environmental cause while producing an everyday alternative to plastic bags.ITI director Fr John D’Souza, SJ, was present.
