KOCHI:With the food delivery apps like Uber eats, Swiggy and Zomato gaining momentum in the city, more and more people are depending on them to get food. Not just bachelors and students, even families depend on such apps on a daily basis, thanks to the bad traffic and heavy rains.
As encouraging as this might be, the new trend has increased the amount of plastic waste generated in the city. Almost all restaurants provide food in plastic containers, even when they are hot, raising not just waste management but health concerns as well.
According to waste collectors, every bachelor housing would see heaps of plastic waste either strewn across the place or bundled up in carry bags, which again would be plastic.
As per official records of the Corporation, around 70-90 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste is generated from the city every day. In recent times, it has touched over 110 tonnes. There is no doubt that the plastic packing culture is also a contributing factor.
" All the local bodies are implementing the green protocol across the state. As far as the Kochi Corporation is concerned, it is a failed concept," said a source associated with the Brahmapuram Waste Treatment Plant.
Paper woes
While paper is mooted as a healthy alternative to the trend, there are many hindrances to its widespread use. The major problem lies in the cost. Paper packaging is costly and most restaurants are reluctant to opt for such expensive packing when plastic is available for a lesser amount.
However, in apps like Swiggy, some restaurants deduct extra packing charges to provide quality packing. Even the cover in which food is delivered will vary from cloth to paper, depending on the restaurant.
"The apps have all kind of restaurant in them. Some are big and can afford to invest in these things. Since the apps are trying to provide both expensive and economic food at the same time, there will be both extremes in packing and delivery. However, I have noticed that some small shops deliver food in paper containers. I think it is the culture. Some are more aware of the environment and health impact and the impression that would leave with the educated and socially-aware customers," said Rajesh, who runs a restaurant at Palarivattom which is registered with two food apps.
Sogging is also a major issue when it comes to paper containers. This is when the quality of paper becomes important. There is a shop near South Railway Station which provides curries in a paper cup without the cup getting soaked.
Paper users
Fast food franchises like McDonald's, Dominos, KFC and Chicking use paper containers for their food products. However, this practice was existent in all these places much before the food apps became popular, due to the 'take away' culture associated with them.
Not only fast food giants, some shops in the city also provide paper packing. Some have packages with the shop logo, name and are usually in food grade paper.
Not really eco-friendly
While plastic has a negative impact on the environment, so does increased use of paper. Surprised? Though many are quick to suggests paper as the immediate solution, the number of trees cut down for the sake should also be taken into consideration. Afforestation has an equally negative impact on the environment.
Health concerns
Plastic has brought with it its own set of health risks.
" When plastic is heated, it leaches chemicals faster than normal. So, never ever heat food in a plastic container in the microwave, or pour hot food (especially liquid) into a plastic container. Researches are going on with regard to the possibility of cancer being caused by plastic. A fraternity of scientists believes that plastic can cause cancer as many chemicals find its way into the food when it is hot and leads to cancer and even contribute to fertility issues. There are various chemicals disseminating from plastic bags like polyvinyl chloride, poly-ethylene and polystyrene which are not good for the human body and consuming hot food or drinks from plastic containers/cups can thus lead to various complications They also have Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that once ingested, works like estrogen in our bodies thus contributing to cell growth and possible cancer. While one can argue that we are exposed to enough of these in other ways, the danger still exists," said Dr Balagopal, Superintendent, CCRC.