The reasons behind this campaign have already been explained, but it may be pertinent to do so again. Plastic is, without doubt, one of the most significant inventions of man. It has many uses, encompassing the gamut of domestic, commercial, educational and industrial life. Ironically, its primary qualities -- durability and imperviousness -- are also its primary ecological drawbacks. Plastic is not biodegradable; unlike wood, paper or other substances found in man's regular environment, plastic does not decompose with time. It may change its shape, but it cannot change its composition.

That, essentially, is the rationale behind the campaign: The more plastic there is in this world, the more damage to the environment. One cannot do away with plastic altogether; as city designer Mala Sinha says, imagine waking up in the morning and wondering what to brush your teeth with!

However, one can reduce the use of plastic bags. The easiest way is a self-imposed restriction. For example, if you go to a departmental store, you usually end up with three or four (maybe more) plastic bags. The simple solution would be to pack in all your shopping in one big plastic bag instead of several small ones. If you're shop-hopping on impulse, pick up one large bag at your first stop and fill it up as you go along.

Similarly, when you buy your vegetables from the local larri, take only as many bags as necessary. You could even leave home with one of the thick plastic bags given by the upscale shops; they are safer, and eminently re-usable.

But do consider the alternative of cloth bags -- it need not be a thaila, there are trendier options available! -- when you plan a shopping trip, whether it be at the vegetable market around the corner or the glitzy shopping complex across town. Remember, when you refuse to accept a plastic bag, you're making a statement without saying a thing. Initially there will be the raised eyebrow, the questioning smile, so take a couple of minutes to explain why you're doing what you're doing.

Remember, also, that you are not alone; Newsline ran an article recently on how upmarket city designers were using cloth bags in place of the traditional plastic to pack their wares.

Other cities have taken the lead as far as cloth bags go. In Mumbai's Khar area, for example, the Khar Residents' Association combined a felicitation for SSC toppers with the launch of a campaign called `Save Our Environment -- Say No To Plastic'. At the function prizewinners were given, along with the usual gifts, cloth bags bearing the appeal.

Navy Nagar, in the same city, has done something similar, on a larger scale: Shopkeepers have begun packing goods in paper bags, and use plastic bags only when the volume is too large.

Everywhere, the intention is the same: Fewer plastic bags in use means less recycling, means safer plastic bags, and ultimately means a safer environment. We cannot do away with plastic bags, but we can cut down on their use.