Thiruvananthapuram: Weddings are often expensive affairs, but not anymore in Kerala. The state government has come up with a green rule to ensure that the auspicious occasion is more nature-friendly. 

The new rule bans the use of non-degradable articles and plastic including plastic plates, glasses and thermocol decorations during marriage functions. People will have to use metal or glass utensils or other eco-friendly materials. 

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Earlier, Alappuzha district administration had decided to issue special certificates to the brides and grooms, who follow green protocol during marriages.

Around 24 weddings in the state between April 2017 and March 2018 conformed to the standards of a green wedding, and among these, 12 were held in Kannur, and 5 in Malappuram.

Inspections will be held at marriage halls, convention centres, hotels and other venues of the wedding ceremony in this regard and action would be taken if the protocol is violated, they said.

'Suchitwa Mission', the state nodal agency for sanitation, has already launched the initiative in Kannur, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha on a pilot basis.

CV Joy, director (operations), Suchitwa Mission, said the green-protocol was launched as part of the government's anti-plastic drive and Green-Kerala Mission.