Sameera Satija Fighting Plastic Pollution with a Steel Utensil Bank

As India grapples with the plastic waste crisis, one woman from Gurugram is leading the charge against single-use plastics. Meet Sameera Satija, a 45-year-old Central government employee whose initiative is making waves in the fight against plastic pollution. India’s battle against plastic waste is far from over, with plastic litter continuing to pile up on streets and clog drains. While a complete ban on single-use plastics is still on the horizon, there’s a growing awareness and conscious effort to reduce plastic consumption, particularly in disposable items like bags and cutlery.

Sameera Satija’s Unique Solution:

Sameera Satija has taken a significant step towards curbing plastic usage by establishing a steel utensil bank. Her initiative, known as the “Crockery Bank For Everyone,” provides a wide range of steel utensils, from spoons to plates, with a primary focus on meeting the needs of large-scale social and religious gatherings. The best part? It’s all free. Anyone in need of utensils can simply send a message through the initiative’s Facebook page. They can then collect the required utensils from the bank by presenting their government-approved ID cards. After using the utensils, users are encouraged to wash and dry them before returning them to the bank, again at no cost.

To make the process accessible, Sameera has simplified the requirements. Users can provide a written letter signed by their Resident Welfare Association (RWA) or ward councillor specifying the number of crockery items needed and the event details. If this isn’t possible, two members from the group can provide copies of two IDs each, with at least one being an Aadhaar card.

The Birth of a Sustainable Idea:

Sameera’s journey towards this innovative solution began on June 22, 2018, when she decided to serve only steel glasses at her community’s chhabeel (free water service in the Sikh religion) and steel plates at bhandara (free meal service). Her commitment to reducing plastic waste quickly gained momentum and inspired others to open branches of the Crockery Bank For Everyone across Gurugram. These branches are run voluntarily by citizens who share Sameera’s passion for sustainability.

Why It’s Free:

When asked why she doesn’t charge a fee for her initiative, Sameera’s answer is clear: she wants to motivate more people to use the bank by highlighting the cost savings and environmental benefits. Her goal is to reduce the use of disposable plastic. Since its launch, the initiative has saved an impressive 100,000 items of disposable plastic. There are now nine branches in Gurugram and Delhi.

Sameera’s efforts have yielded positive results beyond plastic reduction. Borrowers of utensils have started contributing to the bank by adding more utensils. Cleaning the utensils can be a daunting task, but the bank has opted for sustainability by using organic soapnut or reetha powder. Additionally, the wastewater generated during cleaning is repurposed for watering plants.

Sameera Satija‘s commitment to fighting plastic pollution with her steel utensil bank serves as a shining example of how individual initiatives can make a significant impact on the environment. As more communities embrace sustainable practices, the hope for a plastic-free future in India grows brighter.