more-in MADURAI Most citizens are still unaware of the discounts and gift coupons offered by Madurai Corporation and Madurai District Hotel Owners Association in exchange for bringing own containers as packaging materials, say hoteliers. K.L. Kumar, president, Madurai District Hotel Owners Association, says that only 5 to 10 among 100 customers who take parcels bring their steel containers to take away their food. “Many feel like it is below their dignity to bring their own food containers. Plastic now seems to be a point of privilege,” he said. On August 4, the Corporation and members of the Madurai District Hotel Association met to discuss the means to reduce consumption of plastic packaging materials. K Thirupathi, secretary of the hotel association, said that small and large scale food businesses use plastic extensively in the form of single-use containers and carry bags. In order to lessen the dependency on plastic, stakeholders agreed to provide a rebate ranging between five and 10% for members bringing their own containers in case of purchases below ?100. Those above ?100 will get gift coupons from the hoteliers to be exchanged with the civic body. Corporation Commissioner S. Aneesh Sekhar said that at least 200 out of the 300 members belonging to the hotel association had registered with the civic body for promoting a plastic-free Madurai. However, hoteliers feel that people had not actively sought these rebates. D. Jegan, general manager, Vaadivasal, says that plastic containers are easily disposable and do not require washing. “People do not mind paying the additional charges for plastic packaging. We have put up two large boards in our restaurant regarding the rebates. Those who bring their containers once, usually continue to bring their own vessels. Others rarely ever change,” he says. Mr. Kumar says that unless the civic body makes this a stringent policy, customers will not take this exercise seriously.

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