NEWS

The state government is keen to reduce its carbon footprint. The Environment Department has created a list of instructions that may soon become mandatory for all government offices. The list will be put up before the state cabinet for approval on Thursday. “We are committed to conservation and to tackle climate change. Hence, we have put together some small changes that can be incorporated at our level,’’ said Environment Minister, Suresh Shetty. Some of the changes include reducing use of paper, a complete ban on plastic at workplace, banning firecrackers at government functions and avoiding the use of official sirens other than for ambulances. All government offices will also shift to energy efficient tube lights, bulbs and fan regulators that have been given four and five stars by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The department has also suggested that employees should opt for car-pooling as far as possible since commuting contributes to 90 per cent of carbon footprint.