Kerala’s ‘Bakwa’ leads the way for plastic-free South India

Sreelakshmi Soman

Oct 23, 2025

Community & Culture

Community & Culture

Plastic is everywhere in modern life. Despite its harmful impact on ecosystems, human health and livelihoods, efforts to replace it with sustainable alternatives have often fallen short. 

Community & Culture

Aswin J Tom, a young entrepreneur from Kerala’s Idukki, is the latest in a series of pioneers aiming to remove plastic from everyday use.

Community & Culture

His venture, ‘Bakwa’, the first of its kind in the state, is gaining momentum. 

Community & Culture

Massive awareness programmes across Kerala are highlighting its eco-friendly mission: replacing plastic bottles with alternatives made from agricultural by-products.

Community & Culture

What began as a local idea in Kochi is shaping up to be a South Indian effort – one that could help build a future with more green and less toxic waste.