Chennai Cutlery bank

Namma Ooru Foundation has a cutlery bank that people can take on rent for a nominal amount. “We have no idea about the amount of trash we generate at even a small birthday party,” says P Natarajan, the founder and CEO of the non-profit. The city-based voluntary-run outfit that works for environmental causes decided to do something about this. “It’s shocking to see the number of plastic-lined paper cups that are offered to a single guest at a wedding. One for the payasam , one for water, and if there’s a cold drink, one for that too,” he says. “More and more people have started using disposable cutlery at events over the past 10 to 15 years.”

Now that single-use cups have been banned, Natarajan says that people have the option of going in for bagasse or areca leaf plates. “Although disposable, they are only adding to the trash we generate,” he adds. Namma Ooru Foundation’s cutlery bank has 200 sets of stainless steel plates, tumblers, small bowls, and spoons. “People can make use of them for small events such as birthday parties or engagement functions for say 50 to 100 people,” explains Natarajan.

Natarajan says that he often gets questions about the amount of water it takes to wash stainless steel cutlery. “But I tell them that it is nothing when compared to the water used in the manufacture of cutlery from other disposable material,” he says, adding, “Think of the resources used in their transport, not to mention the damage they cause to our environment.” For details, call 8754483679 .