Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email The Consumers’ Association of Penang yesterday called on the public to stop using polystyrene containers, especially during Thaipusam, to pack food in view of their health and environmental effects.
CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris said polystyrene containers took about 500 years to decay, and studies had shown that polystyrene leaches styrenes, a cancer causing agent.
“Thaipusam is the largest gathering of Hindus in the country, where 600,000 to 800,000 devotees flock to Batu Caves in Selangor and the Sri Balatandayutabani temple in Penang.
“During the festival, charitable organisations provide anna thaanam (free food), which is mostly served in polystyrene containers.
“The food providers should instead use alternative containers made of cardboard, banana leaf, palm leaves or sugar cane fibre waste.”
Not sure if its due to CAP’s call to avoid styrofoam (polystyrene) containers during Thaipusam, but Sri Agathiar Sanmargam group who has been dishing out annathanam (food) during Thaipusam will be using banana leaves as plates for the first time of their 13 years service to the Thaipusam attendees.
They would also appreciate contributions for the provision of annathanam, so do visit their website for more details: http://www.agathiarsanmarkam.org/
I think its a good move as every year we can see white containers left around everyone. In recent years, the cleaning process has been a bit faster. I noticed that the cleaners tend to clear the garbage and the dustbins more often, especially in the last two years. But it still can be improved.
