BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi has suggested using cupped hands for drinking water and ‘datun’ (neem twig) to brush teeth in order to cut down plastic usage.
Participating in a roundtable consultation on ‘energy transition, subsidies, and air quality management’ on Thursday, September 5, The MP said, “Why do we need even glasses and bottles? When we were in school, we would drink water from our (cupped) hands which I think is the most hygienic way because you’ve washed your hands in the process and no water is wasted in cleaning the glass.” According to a PTI report, she said so in response to a query about the India’s preparedness for the complete ban on single-use plastic.
“When the vegetable seller would come, we would use a cane basket. No plastic. We have also given up the practice of using datun. Now, all these plastic toothbrushes go to the dustbin and then to the landfill.”
“My grandmother, your great grandmother, everyone would have used cloth, which could be destroyed after single use. More conversation around this will help rather than pushing plastic, polymers as sanitary pads”.
“These polymers have taken up so much of land and nobody talks about it because it becomes a sentimental issue. I used to say that instead of 18 per cent tax, it should be 28 per cent,” Lekhi said.
