The ‘One Thaila – One Thali’ campaign has emerged as a game-changer at the Mahakumbh Bhandaras by significantly reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. This zero-budget initiative, powered by 2,241 organisations across 43 states, established 7,258 collection sites to gather reusable dining essentials.
Massive Collection Drive
The campaign successfully collected:
Steel Thalis (Plates): 14.17 lakh
Cloth Thaila (Bags): 13.46 lakh
Steel Glasses: 2.63 lakh
Distribution at Mahakumbh Bhandaras
Steel Thalis: 10.25 lakh
Cloth Bags: 13 lakh
Steel Glasses: 2.5 lakh
Key Achievements
Environmental Awareness: The initiative educated millions on clean and eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean water bodies like rivers and lakes.
80-85 per cent Reduction in Disposable Waste: The reliance on single-use plates, glasses, and bowls saw a dramatic decline, curbing pollution at the Mahakumbh.
Waste Reduction: The campaign prevented approximately 40,000 tons of waste, reducing overall garbage generation by 29,000 tons.
Rs 140 Crore Cost Savings: By eliminating the need for disposable dining ware, the campaign saved ₹3.5 crore per day, amounting to Rs 140 crore over 40 days—excluding additional savings on transportation, fuel, and cleaning staff.
70 per cent Reduction in Food Waste: Reusable steel plates encouraged responsible food consumption, significantly minimizing leftovers.
Savings for Bhandaras: The use of sustainable utensils lowered operational costs for public kitchens, making large-scale food distribution more efficient.
Long-Term Impact: The steel plates and cloth bags will continue to be used beyond the Mahakumbh, ensuring sustained waste reduction in future gatherings.
Cultural Shift Towards Sustainability: The campaign has popularized utensil banks for public events, inspiring a broader societal shift toward eco-conscious dining.
With its groundbreaking impact, the ‘One Plate – One Cloth Bag’ initiative has set a new benchmark for sustainable public events, proving that community-driven efforts can bring about significant environmental and economic benefits.
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