Thaipusam 2024: Devotees Advised To Refrain From Using Plastic & Wasting Food

The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) and the Hindu Sangam of Penang estimate that a minimum of 50 tonnes of food is wasted each year during Thaipusam. In connection with this, CAP’s Education Officer, N.V. Subbarow, emphasises the need for both NGOs and the general public to be more environmentally conscious during this festive season.

N.V. Subbarow advises the public to reduce the portion size of the meals consumed in order to reduce food wastage during Thaipusam. Furthermore, he emphasises the importance of temple management in eliminating the use of plastic and polystyrene containers when serving food to devotees.

In addition to reducing food waste, he also signifies that Hindu devotees should avoid using plastic throughout the Thaipusam celebration, stating that the increase in plastic waste makes the crisis of pollution even more heightened.

Along with that, N.V. Subbarow stressed that organisations setting up ‘thaneer panthal’ (food and drink stalls) should avoid using plastic or polystyrene containers and plastic cups during Thaipusam in order to not cause harm to the environment, He states that environmentally friendly alternatives like paper cups and plates, reusable bags, and leaves should be used instead of plastic in order to keep humanity and nature safe from pollution.

Source: Utusan