To promote sustainability and raise environmental awareness, BD Clean-Kachua recently organised a two-day event in Kachua upazila of Bagerhat, where people could exchange plastic bottles for plant saplings of medicinal and fruit varieties.

The event was held at the Victory Day Fair venue in the upazila, with support from the upazila administration, aiming to foster a culture of sustainability and ecological responsibility.

KM Abu Nawshad, upazila nirbahi officer of Kachua, hoped the initiative will discourage use of plastic products, reduce accumulation of plastic wastes, and encourage tree plantation among people towards creating a cleaner and greener future.

At the two stalls set up for the event, a total 168 participants exchanged their plastic bottles, and received a sapling each, which they could plant in their homes or community spaces.

"This initiative is a step towards reducing plastic pollution in Kachua. Our goal is to educate the community about the harmful effects of plastic wastes and encourage them to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Our collective efforts will continue in the future," said Chayon Debnath, co-ordinator of BD Clean- Kachua.

The event received an overwhelmingly positive response from the local community.

"The initiative not only addresses the issue of plastic pollution but also aligns with broader efforts to increase tree coverage and combat climate change," said Samir Baran Paik, a school teacher.

"If the initiative can be continued, it will deliver both immediate and long-term benefits to the environment and the community," said Gobinda Adhikary, a retired headteacher of a primary school.

The organisers also distributed educational leaflets and encouraged attendees to become active participants in keeping their surroundings clean and green.

BD Clean aims to expand similar programmes in the future.