03/11/2024
**War on Disposables: The Utensils Bank of Hyderabad Leads a Green Revolution**
Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, and while many of us are aware of the problem, few take tangible steps to combat it. Hyderabad-based classical dancer and educator Prerna Agrawal is one of those few. Inspired by the overwhelming response of her initiative in Goa, she has launched the *Utensils Bank of Hyderabad*, a not-for-profit community service aimed at reducing plastic waste by offering reusable utensils for free.
This initiative is a part of her broader mission to contribute to a greener, more sustainable Hyderabad. With the city’s festivals, weddings, and community gatherings often generating tons of single-use plastic waste, Prerna saw an opportunity to make a difference.
“The idea came from the sheer volume of plastic plates, cups, and spoons that are used in every small gathering. Even if it's just 100 people, that’s 100 plates, 100 glasses, and all of that goes straight to the dump,” Prerna explains. “The waste created in one event can be staggering, and I knew we had to find an alternative.”
The *Utensils Bank of Hyderabad* is stocked with 100 dinner plates, 200 bowls, 100 glasses, 50 small plates for snacks, and 100 spoons. Residents can borrow these utensils for their parties and return them after use, at no cost. “We just ask that people clean the utensils and bring them back so they’re ready for the next event,” says Prerna.
In just two and a half years, the initiative has made a significant impact. During the recent Ganesh festival, a local colony used the utensils for nine days, saving between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 in disposable costs. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with more communities joining in the effort to reduce plastic waste.
“People are realizing that this is not just about saving money—it’s about reducing the enormous environmental impact of disposables,” Prerna points out. “If more colonies adopt this, we can reduce so much waste.”
The concept of a Utensils Bank may be simple, but it addresses a massive issue—overconsumption of single-use plastics. It offers an accessible solution that encourages community involvement, sustainability, and responsible consumption.
Prerna’s journey started in Goa in 2018, where she first launched the *Utensils Bank of Goa*. Inspired by the success there, she extended the idea to Hyderabad. “It’s not about starting a franchise,” she clarifies. “I encourage people to start their own utensils banks within their communities. This isn’t something I want to control—it's something I want to see spread.”
Prerna runs this initiative with the support of her husband, Pramod Agrawal, and their two sons. Together, they clean and wipe each utensil after every use to ensure hygiene standards are maintained. “There are no hidden charges, no deposits—this is a personal initiative, something I’m passionate about, and my family is fully behind me,” she says with pride.
As Hyderabad continues to grow as a major urban center, initiatives like the *Utensils Bank of Hyderabad* provide hope for a more sustainable future. Prerna’s dedication is proof that individual efforts can create ripple effects, inspiring others to reduce plastic waste one event at a time.
