Shillong, June 08: The call to preserve the environment and turn wastes into wealth has perhaps fallen into the ears of young entrepreneur, Bonkey R. Marak.

Bonkey, from Williamnagar, the district headquarter of East Garo Hills, collected waste materials like tetra pack, corrugated box, cotton cloth, denim cutting jeans, paper cups from different markets and localities and recycled them.

His initiatives helped not only preserving the environment, but could convert wastes into wealth, and generate employment for locals.

Bonkey made file cover and board, cobra clip file, document box, pen stand, envelopes and four fold cover file, among others from wastes papers and other materials.

The young entrepreneur has labelled his products under the brand name “Ecocraft.”

On Friday, Bonkey, called on Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma at his residence and gave a presentation on products made out of recycled papers.

He was accompanied by former MLA, Nihim D. Shira.

“We conceptualized and launched the project in our bid to reduce waste materials for helping in making clean and green Williamnagar town,” Bonkey told the Chief Minister while giving his presentation.

He also told the Chief Minister that he launched his products in April with the initiative of East Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Kumar.

Ecocraft has been able to provide employment to atleast 30 people, who are currently engaged in the manufacturing unit in different capacities.

Lauding the budding entrepreneur, the Chief Minister was impressed with the presentation and congratulated him for taking up the cause to recycle paper, contribute for a greener earth and ensure livelihood opportunities.

The Chief Minister asked his firm to expand the business operation, and position their products in the market.

He also told the entrepreneur to start setting up outlets in different parts of the state and make their products available for the public.

The Williamnagar Waste Paper Recycling Centre, which promotes the brand Ecocraft, is located at Deputy Commissioner’s premises with an outlet from where the products are sold to the public.

The main objective of the Centre is to collect any waste papers materials generated by every government offices, schools, colleges, etc.

  The Chief Minister’s office is also using eco-friendly products and banned the use of bottle drinking water.