At some point of time, people have traded at least books, clothes, snacks and other items with siblings and companions, typically carrying forth the tradition of the barter system which has been around for centuries. In the current era, that same concept is practiced but with just a little difference that has wound up becoming a huge environmental saviour fighting threats through numerous methods. One such threat causing confusions about how it can be mitigated is the plastic waste. Surely most people and entities are practicing switching the synthetic or semi-synthetic material with reusable and sustainable materials. Yet, heaps of plastics still clog the seas and lands and even the typical household drainage pipes fortunately enabling profits for the plumbers and other heroes of repair works. It is unclear when mother earth can finally be set free from the shackles of this abominable foe. But the good part is, efforts are constant. Several initiatives and services are being executed across various parts of the world. In that line, an initiative that follows the barter system is being put to the test by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

Here PCMC has assigned hoteliers and vendors to serve ‘Vada Pav’ with ‘Tea’ in exchange for the plastic bottles customers hand out. Other countries and organizations are also following the barter system to curb the excessive plastic waste. But this shall also pass in the new normal that the infamous coronavirus has beckoned humanity to succumb. Since there still remains a lot underbanked or not following the digital payment methods. Could this ‘exchanging of plastic bottles for an Indian snack’ work? Well, the saying ‘food brings people closer’ could bring them to outlets and with them those plastic bottles as well. The initiative is set sail but here is the purpose behind it and the demand for healthier snacks arises among customers. But first, how many vada pavs for a plastic bottle? Or vice versa.

Five for Tea and 10 for Vada Pav

Citizens with empty plastic bottles must go to the nearest hotelier or merchant recognized by the municipal government. PCMC has issued a call for applications from firms interested in participating in the initiative. They will be reimbursed on a monthly basis by PCMC. For one cup of tea, they will be paid Rs 10 and for a vada pav, they would be paid Rs 15.

The plan's goal is to eliminate plastic from the city. According to city officials, PCMC has attempted to make the city plastic-free, but has been unable to do so due to a variety of factors. One of the reasons is that empty plastic bottles are not in high demand.

 

“At least a beer bottle fetches Rs.1, but there are no buyers for plastic bottles,” said PCMC Health Chief Dr Anil Roy.

“Every day, tonnes of plastic waste is generated, but disposal is a major problem. With this initiative, we are trying to lessen the plastic menace in the city,” officials said.

Plastic bottles are not only harmful to the environment, but they also obstruct nullahs, canals, and other bodies of water.

Being the most reasoning capability induced species that humans are, it’s not surprising to note people demanding, ‘why not a healthier snack? Instead of Vada Pav.

Will Vada Pavs Also be Exchanged?

Some community activists believe PCMC should serve a healthier snack instead of vada pav.

“Vada pav is deeply soaked in adulterated oil by some roadside vendors and small hoteliers who can’t afford a healthier version of oil. This is not a good choice for the heart,” said advocate Sushil Mancharkar. 

PCMC, on the other hand, stated that it will check to see if the hoteliers and vendors have valid food licences.

“If hoteliers have the food licence, then they have strictly followed the norms of serving healthy food. Besides, our teams will also be checking the hygiene and cleanliness conditions at such hotels on a regular basis,” Dr Roy said.

Next up is what happens to the bottles? Will they have another go at life?

Bottles to Fuel

PCMC will collect the empty bottles and transport them to the Moshi garbage depot. Plastic bottles will be recycled and turned into fuel.

“We have a plant at Moshi where we convert the plastic into industrial oil,” Dr Roy said.

How it Works

Low-Pressure Hydrothermal Processing is the name of the new technology. It promises to transform polyolefin plastic, the most common type of plastic, into gasoline, diesel fuel, and other high-value items in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. The research was published in a 2021 issue of the peer-reviewed journal Fuel, and was developed by Linda Wang, the Maxine Spencer Nichols Professor in the Davidson School of Chemical Engineering. After being converted to oil or naphtha, the plastic can be utilized as a feedstock for other chemicals or split into monomers, speciality solvents, and other products. The clean fuels made from the polyolefin waste generated each year can meet four percent of the yearly demand for gasoline and diesel.

There is another initiative followed by a restaurant that serves meals in exchange for a kilo or 500 gms of plastic waste.

In Chhattisgarh, the Ambikapur Municipal Corporation has constructed a one-of-a-kind cafe that will provide a ragpicker with a free lunch and breakfast in exchange for one kilo and 500 gms of plastic garbage, respectively. The plastic collected will be used to build roadways.

The feeding spree is also valid for smartphones. That’s right, plastic bottle crushing machines at Indian railway stations are now charging smartphones for a deposit of one plastic bottle.

Anyone who contributes 500 gm of plastic to Goethals Memorial School and Nishkam Khalsa Sewa in West Bengal's Siliguri area gets free lunch. Every Saturday, the exchange system takes place.

During the massive Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj every year, the mela association and a prominent tea company set up many kiosks in various locations. Every time recyclable waste products including wrappers, plastic bottles, and tetra paks were fed into the kiosk with sensors installed, a free cup of tea was provided. It functioned similarly to a vending machine, except that no money was required.