India has made significant strides in curbing plastic pollution through various single-use plastic bans, campaigns, and local efforts. With municipal bodies striving to improve their Swachh Bharat rankings, we’ve witnessed remarkable participation from citizens and businesses alike.
But despite these positive steps, one important space remains alarmingly untouched by the ban - religious and temple campuses.
The Blind Spot in India's Plastic Ban Implementation
While markets, households, and public spaces are being monitored and transformed, religious places - some of the most visited and influential spaces in India - seem largely excluded from the plastic-free movement.
During a recent visit to Shree Khatu Shyam Baba Temple in Sikar, Rajasthan, our founder Shikha Shah observed a critical disconnect between the government’s plastic ban initiatives and what’s being practiced on the ground.
What We Saw on the Temple Grounds
Here’s what stood out at one of India’s most revered temples:
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Roads littered with non-biodegradable waste
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A lack of dustbins across the premises
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No visible communication boards or signage enforcing the plastic ban
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Local vendors selling religious items made from cheap single-use plastic
Visitors - even those who consciously sought sustainable alternatives - had no eco-friendly options available.
Why We Must Bring Sustainability to Religious Sites
Religious campuses like temples attract millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. They hold emotional and cultural power that shapes behavioral patterns.
Imagine if these spaces:
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Offered eco-friendly souvenirs and pooja items
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Displayed awareness campaigns about plastic pollution
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Encouraged visitors to shop sustainably in the name of faith
The ripple effect would be huge - creating both mindset shifts and widespread impact on India’s plastic waste problem.
Scrapshala’s Vision: Eco-Friendly Worship Experiences
At Scrapshala Varanasi, we believe worship and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. We’re eager to collaborate with temple managements and religious trusts to:
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Introduce sustainable souvenir stores within temple premises
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Offer handcrafted religious items made from upcycled and biodegradable materials
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Support local artisans through eco-conscious product creation
What We’ve Already Done in Varanasi
In our home city of Varanasi, we’ve developed a range of eco-friendly souvenirs including:
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Keychains, fridge magnets, coasters made from upcycled paper, bamboo, wood, and jute
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All products are handmade by local artisans, empowering the craft community
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Designed to reflect the cultural heritage of Varanasi while promoting conscious consumerism
Time to Include Faith in the Fight Against Plastic
It’s time for religious institutions, corporate CSR initiatives, and local authorities to come together and:
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Enforce plastic bans within temple campuses
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Make room for eco-friendly alternatives
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Lead by example in protecting the environment
After all, polluting in the name of prayer defeats its very purpose.
