By Kajal Baid

The long prevailing issue that was almost on the verge of being banned worldwide can now be seen to spread its wings again, all thanks to Covid-19. To avoid human contact as much as possible, people have again started to use plastics precariously. Bans in many countries have been lifted up to let people use disposable polythene bags. One of the biggest factors contributing to increased plastic consumption is Panic Buying. Wary of the lock-down, people have started buying and storing more than they require in near future, giving rise to plastic waste.

As some restaurants and eatery outlets see relaxation in Australia, Europe and some parts of India, silverware and reusable dinnerware are taking a back seat and single serve condiments seem to be on a roll. Among all the types of disposables, plastic cutlery witnesses increased consumption due to ease of availability. But what people are unaware of is the fact that virus on plastics and stainless steel lasts for about 72 hours, 3 times than that on paper or card boards.

The best alternative to fight with this age-old issue is to use Adaaya Palm Leave Dinnerware, which can be used by restaurants, take away outlets and even households to serve food, and have the capability to hold hot liquids for certain hours. Palm Leave disposables can also be used in microwave, without causing any harm to the food.

Here are some valuable tips to reduce the plastic waste and let our Earth breathe even when the pandemic ends:

·  Do not indulge in panic buying: Buy only what is required. Essential stores are exempted from lock-down by the government.

·  Use bio-degradable cutlery: Instead of plastic cutlery, use eco friendly and bio-degradable ones such as, palm leaves, edible, cornstarch, bamboo plates.

·  Carry your own bags: Do not forget to carry your own bags when stepping out of your homes to purchase essential commodities.

• Will advise you not to buy plastic toys for your kid. Waste but safe things make great play stuff for children, like discarded small bottles, old clothes, tin cans etc. Children don’t need plastic fruits and vegetable to play. They need your time! You can also check a toy library near your home. That will at least limit the use of harmful plastics.

• Do you know that many companies nowadays recycle old electronic goods like mobiles, laptops etc.? If you have an electronic item beyond repair, kindly sell it online to such companies. The alarming fact is that circuit boards contain high amount of harmful Lead and it can pass up to higher level of our ecosystem if not destroyed properly.

• Organic waste such as stale food, vegetables, and fruits can be turned into manure inside the house. You can transform the waste into small pieces and spread it across the flower bed in your home. This manure making process does not cause foul smell and can be conveniently done in a small space. The manure will be enough for your little plants in the plastic bottles!

• You can dissolve tiny bits and pieces of used soap bar in small amount of water to make an excellent floor wash. We can avoid using harmful chemical based floor cleansers. Chemicals find their way into the river through drain and pollute the aquatic ecosystem. Chemical based pesticides can be replaced by herb based natural ones. Neem (Azadirachta indica) based pesticides are getting widely used now.

• We have heard before that cosmetics are tested on poor animals but do we know that several cosmetics are made by using harmful chemicals and compounds. Silica is used in Glitters that can cause health issues if it is absorbed by our body. Similarly, face scrubs contain plastic pellets that again find its way into the river and in the end polluting the ecosystem. Avoiding them is best for sustainability of environment.

• We often host party at home. Try using naturally made disposables like Palm dinnerware instead of plastic ones. They are doubly beneficial - eco-friendliness and elegant looks as well!

• Cardboard boxes or milk cartons can be decorated and used as storage bins instead of plastic boxes and shelves.

• Lastly, solar cells have been promoted widely by the government as it is can store solar energy. Individual homes can make good use of solar cells instead of electricity generated from non-renewable sources.