India's first garbage cafe backing 'Swachh Bharat Mission'! Trade plastic waste for a full meal

Plastic waste has emerged as a major concern across the globe. In highly populated countries like India, the consumption of plastic products is massive. The lack of proper waste management solutions and awareness has worsened the environmental impact. However, lately, people are becoming aware of the harsh impact and even the government has introduced several initiatives to control the use and enhance waste management, including the Swachh Bharat Mission. Backing this national cleanliness campaign, the Municipal Corporation of Chhattisgarh launched India's first garbage cafe in 2019 in Ambikapur.

How does the Cafe Work?

At this cafe, one can trade plastic waste and get a full meal in return. Poor people, including garbage/ragpickers, those who can't afford a full meal can exchange plastic waste and get a full meal. As per the system, garbage pickers can exchange 1kg plastic waste and get a full meal and they can avail a breakfast meal by trading 500gm of plastic waste.

Also Check | 16YO Indian girl built a company worth Rs 100 crore! Know Pranjali Awasthi's success story

Impact of Garbage Cafe!

Launched in 2019, the first garbage cafe in Chhattisgarh's Ambikapur has reduced plastic waste in the city by a whopping 66 tonnes, From 292 tonnes in 2020 to 226 tonnes in 2024.

Moreover, such an initiative has also helped to improve the air quality in the city. Ambikapur has achieved the title of one of the cleanest cities in the country.

A budget worth Rs 5 lakh had been approved by the government for the humanitarian cause.

Social Impact of Garbage Cafe

Over the years, this one-of-a-kind garbage cafe has made the residents of the city aware of the serious environmental impacts of plastic waste. Such awareness has made the residents reduce the use of this dangerous pollutant, especially polythene.

While environmental experts suggest that the motive of this initiative is to make Mother Earth a healthier and safer place to live in, Riteish Saini, Nodal Officer of Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban) confirmed achieving the mission of reducing plastic use. Ambikapur Mayor Ajay Tirkey also expressed his delight over the cafe's performance and impact of handling waste.

The cafe's quirky theme is 'More The Waste, Better The Taste'. This theme not only attracts the youths but older population in the city as well.

More from the Author | Man who managed finances for Amitabh Bachchan built company worth Rs 28000 crore!