BMC Puts Up A List Of Eco-Friendly Alternatives For Plastic Food Containers

A week after the ban on plastic in Maharashtra, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has rolled out a list of plastic alternatives that includes food containers on Friday. According to a report by the Free Press Journal, this portal list has products and manufacturer details and was tweeted by Nidhi Chaudhari, Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Special) on Twitter.

Plastic Alternates Are Here

The plastic ban in Maharashtra has sure affected the food industry especially the online food deliveries. However it seems that the municipal corporation has begun to do its bit to help them. The portal shared by Ms. Chaudhari has the list of 40 companies and 84 self-help groups that offer areca nut plates, bowls, wooden spoons, fork, knifes and stirrers; paper straws and food containers; cloth, jute, compostable, cotton and reusable water-resistant bags. All of these that can ease the troubles of packaging and serving food in hotels and restaurants.

https://twitter.com/nidhichoudhari/status/1012563626589409280

“There is a great extent of awareness at the ward-level,” Chaudhari told the Free Press Journal. “All ward offices have inspectors who are well-trained on plastic ban. We have also focused on spreading awareness through media. Our blue squads are training and educating the traders on banned and exempt items.”

The publication also talked to a resident of Mumbai who said, “We are still ill-informed about the plastic alternatives. The list of eco-friendly product manufacturers will indeed be helpful. Had BMC effectively spread the awareness before the ban was implemented, there would not have been such commotion. Nonetheless, I welcome the ban, as it is time we take care of the environment.”