Tamil Nadu hotels offer discounts to encourage customers shun plastic
What's the story
To encourage customers to do away with plastic bags for carrying food parcels, hotels in Tamil Nadu have announced discounts to those who bring utensils.
The move by the hospitality industry comes in the backdrop of the state government's decision to ban the use of plastic paper, cups, water sachets, straws, and carry bags with effect from January 1, 2019.
Information
Tamil Nadu CM's move to 'gift a plastic-free state'
In June, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had announced in the state Assembly that use of some plastic items, including non-biodegradable bags, would be banned from January 1, 2019, in the interest of the environment and to "gift a plastic-free" state to the future generations.
Exception
Some items, however, will be exempted from the ban
However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil, and medical utilities would be exempted from the plastic ban in the state.
"The plan is to make the customers bring utensils and vessels to carry the food. A resolution was passed recently, offering 5% discount on the bill if customers bring the utensils," President of Chennai Hotels Association M Ravi said.
Details
Discount is to make customers bring their own utensils: Ravi
To a query whether the services offered by some food delivery firms would get affected, Ravi said talks were on with such service providers on how food could be delivered.
"Aluminum foils are used during packing instead of plastic bags, banana leaves also come in handy. The discount offer is to make customers bring their own containers," another official said.