On one of the whatsapp groups, i got to see this lovely video. Most probably, it was made/filmed somewhere in South India. Given the abundance of banana plantations, it very well could be Tamilnadu.
The video shows this elderly man wearing a mundu. He goes to the backyard, cuts a banana leaf. He heats it on the flame . With a knife, he peels away the ridge in the back of the leaf. He spreads it on a newspaper. On the banana leaf, he puts rice, vegetable preparation, etc.
Next, he makes two pouches of the smaller portion of the banana leaf. As for the edges, he folds them triple, and presses them along the edge of the folds. Voila, perfect pouches for sambar and buttermilk are ready. The upper edges of each pouch are tied with the thread drawn-n-cut from the banana leaf itself. Finally, the newspaper is folded over, and the perfect lunch box is ready!
Very many would be the advantages of this nature friendly packaging. Surely, it would add a dash of unique taste to the food thus packed in. After the food consumption, the entire package can be fodder for the animals, and without any corrupt mismanagement! So much of plastic wastage can be avoided as well. Homely eco-friendly measures!
In the olden days, in Maharashtra, food used to be served either on banana leaves or on perfectly made dishes of green and/or dry leaves stitched together. Economical and eco-friendly, they were beautiful exhibits of the artisans' skills. Many households used to self sufficiently make such nature friendly dishes and bowls.
Mostly made of bunyan or palash leaves, they were made simply but artistically. Given the rapid urbanisation, paper plates are now preferred to even glass or stainless steel plates and bowls. Paper plates may create waste management issues in their own way, but who cares?!?
Apparently, in Germany, such 'leaf-y' plates are now being made in a more 'system'tic and 'engineer'ed way. Thus is lost yet another 'home-made' profession, cottage industry with a unique specialisation, to big business! Semi-educated women could have thus continued to earn a livelihood. Hope in the deafening din of identity politics of all cast(e)s, at least women's groups would cater to/care for such options!
Pratima@ Like the "Dharma" which protects us if/when protected ("रक्षति रक्षितार:"), environment, too, can sustain us, if/when sustained!
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