“There is very little awareness about the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment. And no one is too bothered. Most people misuse plastic bags and use them even when they are not required. Living in a small city like Chinsura is really tough as people have rigid mindsets and most refuse to pay much heed to our concerns. Most feel that since the bags are not harming them directly, they don’t need to be concerned,” says Soumyajeet.

Instead of blaming the people and the government the four decided to set up their own organisation through which they could spread awareness. This led to the formation of Dingga in August 2007. Of course, forming an organisation wasn’t easy and the four started preparing for it long ago, collecting all the information they could on the effects of plastic pollution. The target audience was the homemakers, who are assumed to be the main users of plastic bags.

“Most homes use plastic bags for disposal of waste and homemakers are the ones who usually end up doing so. Moreover, we find people going shopping, even to the local bazaars, without a bag and bringing back vegetables and groceries in plastic carry bags. It really isn’t too tough to carry a bag when one goes vegetable shopping. Even such a small gesture can cut down a huge amount of plastic consumption,” say the four.

Last December during the festive season the four, along with a handful of volunteers, spent days at their local picnic ground talking to various revelry-makers trying to inculcate consciousness in them, something that the four feel had some impact.

“We approached the elderly as they usually spare a few minutes to listen to us and the response was overwhelming. There were a number of queries that people had about the best way to dispose of plastics. A gentleman used to burn the plastic which we assured him harmed the environment more and advised him to dig a small hole in the ground and bury it, only as a temporary measure,” says Aveek Mondal.

One of the biggest challenge they face is that Chinsura does not have any proper garbage disposal system, and it is still one of the places where garbage vats have not been installed by the local corporation body. As a result most people end up burning their garbage.

“Unless a proper system comes into place, it is definitely more difficult to get people to pay attention to their environment. So they either burn it or dump it in the canal or the pond. Monsoon becomes a nightmare owing to excess waterlogging, all of which is a result of our apathy towards the environment,” adds Sanikshan.

The four have been knocking the door of the local municipal bodies as well as filing RTIs to find out why there haven’t been any concrete steps taken towards garbage disposal. Last year during the Pujas, they spent time organising quizzes to generate awareness and even helping with the government-led Nirmal Ganga project that is aimed at cleaning the Ganga.

“During immersion we were at the three main ghats stopping people from throwing Puja wastes. It was not easy. And people got nasty as they thought it’s their right to do so,” say Kalpita and Sanikshan with a laugh.

Looking for alternative to the plastic problem, the four feel that the use of paper bags made with recycled newspaper is the best solution. Hence the four have approached a colony of fishermen living near their home to educate their children and provide employment —- that of making paper bags. But that’s a project in the long run.