Jamshedpur: Celebrations in India often lead to a lot of waste, especially the plastic and thermocol disposables.
As a part of their ongoing fight against the plastic usage in India, Jugsalai municipal council has set out to make an impact in Jharkhand's Jamshedpur.
Jugsalai municipal council with the help of 37 self-help groups with 10 members each have started 'Utensil Bank', a unique crockery bank that rents out steel utensils at a very low price for various events and gatherings.
"We have taken this initiative and have been promoting the concept of Utensil banking in order to fight plastic pollution. In the future we'll take more initiatives and steps to promote cleanliness, good health and environment conservation," told Jugsalai municipal council Special officer J.P. Yadav to ETV Bharat.
This novel idea is first being tested out for small-scale gatherings consisting of 50- 100 people.
"We have formed 37 SHGs currently working for the plastic campaign. This unique crockery bank will not only reduce plastic waste but will also generate income for these women. If this plan turns into a success, we'll start lending utensils on a large scale," explained Glenish Minz, City Mission Manager of Municipal Council.
Keeping both vegetarians and non-vegetarians in mind, there are separate sets of utensils stocked by this bank.
"This bank is helping to reduce the use of plastic disposals. Using steel utensils give homely feeling and the food tastes better. This initiative is also generating financial benefits for the women involved," informed Suman Kumari, a Member of SHG.
Jugsalai municipal council has also issued a mobile number and is getting in touch with the public through WhatsApp, for promoting and availing their services.
Also, read: After water conservation, these J'khand villages aim to go plastic-free
