Wed Feb 26 13:25:45 UTC 2025: ## Online Food Boom Fuels Single-Use Plastic Crisis in [Location – needs to be added from original article]
**[Location, India] – February 26, 2025** – The increasing reliance on online food delivery and restaurant takeout is contributing to a surge in single-use plastic waste, Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan warned today. Speaking at a training session on food packaging waste and environmental impact, Mr. Jeyaseelan highlighted a significant shift in eating habits over the past decade. Fewer households are cooking regularly, opting instead for the convenience of outside food. This trend has resulted in a dramatic increase in the use of single-use plastic packaging, leading to severe environmental consequences.
Mr. Jeyaseelan emphasized the dangers of burning plastic waste, citing scientifically proven emissions of harmful, carcinogenic gases. He also pointed to the pollution of water bodies from discarded plastic. While acknowledging existing legal frameworks for waste management by hotels and local bodies, the Collector stressed the individual responsibility in mitigating this crisis. He urged citizens to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics, suggesting that even small changes, such as using reusable bags, can make a difference.
Hoteliers were encouraged to incentivize customers to bring their own containers, offering discounts to promote sustainable practices. Businesses were also called upon to embrace recycling initiatives and raise awareness about the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. The Collector concluded by emphasizing the need for collective action to address this growing environmental challenge.
First Piper 