Most wet waste from hotels; used to dress up dishes: Study (ToI)

Most wet waste from hotels; used to dress up dishes: Study TNN | Jun 6, 2013, 01.25 AM IST PANAJI: Of the 20-25 tonnes of wet waste generated in Panaji everyday, 10-12 tonnes come from the hotel industry alone, a study has revealed. And dishing out these numbers at the Goa state pollution control board (GSPCB)-organized function themed 'Think, Eat, Save', was Sujeet Kumar, a scientist at the Centre for Environment Education, who conducted the study with Dr Abhijeet Parulekar. Many from the hotel industry attended. Kumar said a major factor of wastage came from cosmetic or 'appearance of the dish' and standards of raw materials used. Lack of definite figures for each place worsened the problem and could be rectified only if hotels voluntarily cooperated, he said, stressing, "More the money, more the wastage". The sentiment was echoed by Alina Saldanha, minister for environment and forests, "Quick money is the goal in society today. We want increased production and hence resort to chemical fertilizers. Saving our environment will lead to better production of food." GSPCB chairman Jose Manuel Noronha said the ensuing struggle for resources could be reason enough to start a war. Waste management expert Patricia Pinto said, "Our habits have changed. We have become a wasteful society. We throw out things that are just bought. The throwaway culture has set in." Not all wastage could be attributed to hotels with all speakers pointing out that a majority of wastage occurs due to lack of transport and good harvesting technology and improper storage. They suggested checking wastage through composting, recycling, waste audits, new production techniques and involving all stakeholders-less garbage to treat, less garbage fees, and the environment is protected. A short skit by students highlighted food wastage. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Most-wet-waste-from-hotels-used-to-dress-up-dishes-Study/articleshow/20451103.cms