Leaves as dining plates, food wraps and food packing material: Importance of renewable resources in Indian culture

Abstract

Abstract Background The disposable plates made up of plastics such as polythene, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride, etc. pose health risks due to the release of toxic chemicals; bisphenol A, melamine, vinyl chloride, and phthalates. The usage of disposable plasticware not only depletes fossil fuels but also causes microplastics pollution. Thus, thrust has been shifted to utilization of disposable plates made from plant leaves, which are renewable, biodegradable, and enriched with antioxidants and medicinal values. Results In India, serving food on leaf dining plates is a long-standing tradition with its own cultural, religious, medicinal, and socioeconomic significance. The leaf plate stitching is a livelihood activity for tribal people in Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states of India. The leaves and leaf plates are used for offering naivedyam to god during worship and distribution of prasadam to devotees. They are extensively used for serving food during marriages, religious festivals, community feasts, etc. The leaves from a vast variety of plants are used as dining plates, food wraps during steam cooking, grilling and frying of various dishes, and food packing material in India. Conclusions The biodegradable leaf plates have vast potential in international market, which should meet in terms of quality and design. To sustain the practice of using leaf plates and discourage plastic plates; necessary regulations should be imposed by the government and monitored through local governing bodies. In addition, school children and college students should be educated and motivated to realize the importance.