LUCKNOW, June 5 -- Habit of leaving home with a cloth/jute bag instead of bringing home plastic carry bag, at mass level, can contribute significantly in reducing plastic waste on earth, said forest, environment and climate change minister Arun K Saxena at a programme on Wednesday organised at a school on the eve of World Environment Day. "When leaving home during summer, carry a water bottle, and avoid purchasing plastic bottles or pouches to quench thirst," said the minister while addressing the gathering of students. Students between class 6 and 9 participated in a poster-making, and quiz competition on the theme of hazards of plastic. UP Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) chairman RP Singh, UPPCB member secretary Sanjeev Singh, and senior officials participated in the event aimed to make students and parents aware. "Single-use plastic is a big issue that can be addressed only by changing habits," said RP Singh. htc...