Dia Mirza rages war against plastic

Indian actress-producer Dia Mirza on Wednesday said she’s getting rid of the plastic in her life. She has begun using a toothbrush that is made of bamboo, for one thing. “The basic things which you can do in your life can go a big distance,” Mirza explained. “My toothbrush is a bamboo one. I have stopped using plastic packaged water. I carry my metal bottle from home.”

“I ensure the vehicles I move around are on the highest emissions standards. I would love to use an electric car. I wish the government of India will reduce the taxes on sustainable alternatives.”

“I have switched from using normal sanitary napkins to biogradable ones,” she added.

Mirza, who is also the Wildlife Trust of India brand ambassador, took up the role as the United Nations (UN) brand ambassador to her work on raising awareness and seeking solutions for environmental issues that the world, and India in particular, faces.

As a Goodwill Ambassador, the actress will work with the UN to further spread the message on priority areas including clean air, clean seas, wildlife protection and climate change. “I am delighted to have Dia join UN Environment as a Goodwill Ambassador. India faces many challenges, in particular the air pollution that is choking many of its cities,” said UN Environment head Erik Solheim. —IANS