Delhi Archdiocese’s green vans campaign against plastic

(June 8, 2009) The social service wing of the Archdiocese of Delhi, India, is now using two special vans to campaign against use of plastic bags as an environmental hazard and to promote eco-friendly jute bags. Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit on Friday flagged off the archdiocese’s special ‘green vans’ at the launch what of the organizers claim is the country's first mobile environment-drive to mark World Environment Day. Several environmentalists and Church leaders, including Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi, attended the function at the chief minister's residence. The prelate told the gathering that the vans, emblazoned with messages about environmental protection, would move around the city to encourage people to make the city safe from plastic. The prelate told UCA News later that the campaign was "a big step" in the Church's involvement in environmental protection. The project would reach out to all people in the national capital and eight districts of neighbouring Haryana state. A year ago, the archdiocesan social service wing, called Chetanalaya, launched a "green shopper" campaign in collaboration with self-help groups that make jute bags in West Bengal in eastern India. Some 300,000 jute bags have been sold in the past 12 months. Thje archbishop said that the drive has helped the archdiocese create jobs for the poor as well as promote environmental awareness.