Garbage Cafés for tackling hunger and waste

In various cities of India, some wonderful cafés called "Garbage Cafés" have been established. This idea is truly inspiring and remarkable. Those struggling with food insecurity usually come to these cafés, but here no money is needed for food. Instead, old plastic bags, food wrappers, or water bottles are exchanged for breakfast or lunch. These cafés are operated by the municipal corporations. For example, by giving one kilogram of plastic waste, one can get a full meal consisting of rice, lentils, two dishes of vegetables, roti, salad, and pickles. In exchange for half a kilogram of plastic waste, one can get breakfast.

Plastic waste and hunger are also serious concerns for us. In our country, many destitute people collect different types of plastic waste from various places and exchange them at local scrap shops for a fixed price set by the vendors. As a result, these destitute people often face losses and are even tricked in the process. Moreover, in many cases, small plastic items like bottle caps or pen tips remain in the environment due to the absence of proper guidelines, further contributing to pollution. If such initiatives like "Garbage Cafés" could be taken by city corporations in specific areas, then not only would the marginalised and homeless be ensured food security, but people of all classes would also become more conscious about protecting the environment.

There are 129 wards under the two Dhaka city corporations-54 in Dhaka North City Corporation and 75 in Dhaka South City Corporation. Initially, the project could be launched in selected wards of the city corporations as a pilot study to assess its strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Once evaluated, it could be expanded nationwide. This initiative would simultaneously tackle hunger and reduce pollution.

Nafew Sajed Joy

Postgraduate

University of Dhaka

nafewsajedjoy@gmail.com