The concerns around climate change are now being recognised globally. Many countries are considering going plastic-free in the near future, prohibiting or strictly limiting single-use plastic. This directly affects materials like plastic bags, straws, and even packaging material. While some daily use objects can be replaced by materials such as cloth or paper, alternatives for others are difficult to come by. A recent tweet by a user showcases how disposable plastic cups can easily be replaced by green ones. Take a look at the post:
Green inspiration!
This picture from India ???????? of ice-cream served in a banana leaf cup shows that we really don't need plastic as much as we think we do.
PC: Initiative United North-Easthttps://t.co/0QxmkApjQYpic.twitter.com/jrAJh729Y0— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) October 13, 2020
(Also Read: Sipping On Your Favourite Beverages With Plastic Straws? You Must Stop!)
Shared on Twitter by Norwegian diplomat Erik Solheim, the post featured a scoop of ice cream being served in a green cup made of a banana leaf. The leaf was rolled around into a cup and tied with some string to replace the usual plastic disposable cups. Further, the spoon featured with the ice cream was a bamboo spoon rather than the usual plastic one.
The 'Green Inspiration' was actually sourced from an Indian Facebook page called Initiative United North-East. "Small but great start to end plastic waste," was what they called the eco-friendly cups as. Solheim's tweet struck a chord with many Indians across the internet, garnering reactions from all over. Many wrote to point out that the use of leaves for serving was not uncommon in India. Take a look at the reactions:
Since ages, Kulfi ( Traditional Indian Milk Icecream ), also all types of chats ( bhelpuri etc. ) on Mumbai's chowpaties ( seashores ) is traditionally served on leaves of ???? pic.twitter.com/vaD8YnxaVS— Anil Deo ???????? (@anilrdeo) October 13, 2020
In Himachal Pradesh, India pic.twitter.com/7QP44ECXeM— Bibek Bishal (@BishalBibek) October 13, 2020
Have seen this in some other places , even in cities like Mumbai where some places serve icecream on a leaf , kept on a steel plate , and parcel it in leaves— Nila Madhab PANDA ନୀଳମାଧବ ପଣ୍ଡା (@nilamadhabpanda) October 13, 2020
Yeah In my Home town we are using this kind of stuff to serve. Not the only icecream all types of food. Plastic Free Village is our Vision and mission— muthukumaran (@tmk1906) October 13, 2020
(Also Read: This One-Of-A-Kind Cafe In Delhi Is Giving Meals In Exchange Of Plastic; Know More)
We hope to see this interesting eco-friendly cup being used to serve other things apart from ice cream too. What do you think of the unique way of serving ice cream? Do you feel this measure help reduce single-use plastic waste and tackle climate change? Tell us what you think in the comments below!
About Aditi AhujaAditi loves talking to and meeting like-minded foodies (especially the kind who like veg momos). Plus points if you get her bad jokes and sitcom references, or if you recommend a new place to eat at.