Jute to make Kolkata book fair 'green'

The 39th International Kolkata Book Fair, that begins Jan 28, is set to go green, courtesy kiosks stacking up on innovative jute products to spread the message.

Organisers of the book fair, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, have joined hands with National Jute Board to set up as many as eight kiosks selling low-cost jute bags spread across the book fair venue, the Milan Mela grounds here, till Feb 8.

In addition, designer jute bags and diversified jute products will also be available.

"Several book sellers and publishers will also give away books in specially-made jute bags during the fair. Delegates and guests will be given jute bags," said Dipankar Mahto, deputy jute commissioner and secretary, National Jute Board, while unveiling the new campaign 'Go Green' for the promotion of use of jute among masses.

Mahto said jute is 100 percent environment-friendly and 100 percent biodegradable.

"Consumer habits of using plastic bags indiscriminately need to be replaced by biodegradable and eco-friendly jute bags and jute products to create a greener and cleaner world," he said.