Goa Tourism Department's Initiative: Free Drinks In Exchange Of Cigarette Butts And Bottle Caps In Goa

Well, now one can get a beer without spending any money in Goa. How do you ask? Well soon after the Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar introduced a new bill in the Legislative Assembly, which puts a fine of Rs 2,000 on an individual for drinking alcohol and cooking in open spaces, a new and innovative green initiative has started, driving all the tourists and locals to get their hands dirty and clean the beaches. This initiative fetches one a beer in exchange of 10 beer bottle caps or 20 used cigarette butts from a waste bar, reported the News18.

Who took the initiative?

The initiative uptaken by Drishti Marine, and the department of state tourism in Goa tries to curb the rate of waste generated by the tourists. Goa, which is a primary location for vacation which attracts nearly over 7 lakh tourists a year. They end up generating a lot of waste. The idea behind this initiative to engage beach visitors in activities that create awareness about environment and conservation.

The initiative kicked off on January 30, when the first of the pop-up waste-bars opened up at the Zanzibar shack. This is located at the beach end of the popular Tito’s Lane in the North Goan beach village of Baga.

The concept finds its root in different country

Noreen van Holstein, who conceptualised the campaign along with Drishti Marine, told IANS that the waste-bar is a win-win concept. It is good for the venue as well as for the customers, who feel good after contributing to society. She further added that people come to Goa for two things: the beach and the bar. With the help of this initiative, they are giving people drinks and making them conscious of the waste they generate.

Van Holstein further said that the concept of waste-bars has its roots in the Netherlands. The idea is now spreading like a wildfire. Apart from beer caps and cigarette butts, five used plastic straws will fetch a bottle of chilled beer or a cocktail. This is a perfect way to celebrate your vacation while not harming mother nature.

The Logical Indian Take

The Logical Indian appreciates such a noble initiative and would like to ask everyone in Goa to take part in it. We hope that this initiative not only remains isolated in Goa and finds its way to different parts of the country.

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