#BYOC Challenge is Helping Bengalureans Give Up Single-Use Plastic. Are You Up For It?

The war against plastic has been waged, and it is gaining moment among residents of Bengaluru’s Whitefield. And their strategy is nothing short of innovative this time.

Termed the Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) challenge, it calls for residents to carry their own steel glasses, plates or containers instead of using plastic or paper cutlery. And post pictures of them with their steel cups on social media with #BYOC.

The brainchild behind the unique campaign is city-based Rishita Sharma. The co-founder of ‘Rent-a-Cutlery’ and ‘Green Utsav’ threw open the challenge on October 6.

While Rent-A-Cutlery rents out steel cutlery for events, Green Utsav ensures zero-waste events by providing reusable decorations and homemade food in reusable boxes and eco-friendly return gifts.

Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, Rishita said, “The idea is to put a full stop on using plastic. They are not eco-friendly. A large number of people are using such disposable cups in their everyday life. Especially in the corporate world. They take a break to go and sip on tea or coffee in small chai shops, who provide them with disposable cups. This is littered, and also clogs drains. Paper cups use a host of resources like trees, water, energy, and transport, which can be saved if we say no to paper cups.”

One of the residents who undertook the challenge is Rekha Aravind from Brookefield. She added how her family members carry their cutlery kits to use everywhere they go. This includes a steel spoon, a fork and a straw.

“My children have started loving the use of steel straws. It is also hygienic to use your own things,” she added.

Member of Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT), Vani Murthy, added how the revolution against plastic begins when you refuse disposable cutlery.

“Start by refusing plastic plates, cups. The SWMRT have been doing this from the past ten years. But bringing in such challenges on social media helps a lot and motivates people. This is a great initiative,” she said, lauding the BYOC challenge.

Read More: Gurugram Lady Opens ‘Crockery Bank’ for Steel Utensils to Reduce Plastic Waste!

In addition to extending to several localities, the initiative has also crossed international borders.

Priyanka Kamath from Eschborn, Germany, took to Facebook and posted a picture with the caption,

https://www.facebook.com/priyanka.namshikar/posts/10215742016437857

“Almost a decade back I supported BYOB (Bring your own bag), and now it’s BYOC that’s Bring your own cup/container. Paper cups come with (a) thin lining of plastic and can’t be recycled. Carrying reusables attract some appreciation and lots of stares for being different. And when it’s good, being different is always great. #BYOCSelfie. Adding a picture of my father Satish Namshiker who spreads (the) word by actions especially carrying (his) own bag.”

Isn’t it a challenge that deserves to be replicated in every Indian city? Tell us what you think about it in the comments!

(Edited by Shruti Singhal)

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