An awareness workshop on making eco-friendly paper bags was held recently for the Rotaract Club of T.J. College of Commerce, Khadki. The workshop was organised by the Rotary Club of Khadki, sponsors of the Rotaract Club, and was conducted by Rtn. Surendra Shroff. Rtn. Vineet Mathur, Director (Youth), Rotary Club of Khadki, was present on the occasion. The paper bag project straddles two Rotary causes — protecting the environment and growing local economies. Rtn. Shroff explained how single-use plastic bags could be replaced with the help of various types of bags made out of old newspapers. “These paper bags can easily carry approximately 1.5 kg to 5 kg of weight and can also be reused before being thrown away, when they will serve as compost,” he said. Besides addressing the environmental aspect, the process of making the bags also involves an economic activity, and provides financial independence and support to the persons involved in its manufacture. An action plan will be drawn up by the Rotaractors to create an awareness campaign among the Khadki neighbourhood shopkeepers to begin using paper bags instead of plastic bags, and also to enlist those who can take up its manufacture as an economic activity and source of income for them. Ms. Nirbhavane, teacher co-ordinator of the Rotaract Club, participated in the discussions, and Dhanashree Gaikwad, President of the Rotaract Club, proposed a vote of thanks to Rtn. Shroff for conducting an informative, motivating, and useful workshop.