Eco-friendly utensils made from betel nut leaves
In Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar, various utensils for serving vegetables, including eco-friendly utensils, are being made from the discarded betel nut leaves or kul dal in the local language. This attractive utensil is 100% biodegradable and healthy, profitable, affordable and chemical-free.
Monir Enterprise in Teknaf has been creating eco-friendly utensils since 2023, promoting the slogan “Build a plastic-free world, walk with betel leaves.” It is being supported by the Nature and Live project of NGO organization Codec.
The Cottage Industry Fair 2024, held on December 24 at the Teknaf Upazila Parishad, received a tremendous response. Buyers have gathered in droves to buy it. Many are buying it to decorate their homes and enhance their beauty, while many are buying it out of curiosity.
These betel leaf utensils are designed for single use in hotels and homes. Its use can be ensured especially when serving picnics and seminars. It is also affordable, healthy and chemical-free. Each large plate or utensil can be sold for TK.8- TK.10, and a small bowl for TK.4-TK.5. Since it is biodegradable, it will not cause any harm to the environment even if it is thrown away.
Entrepreneur Monir Ahmed, owner of Monir Enterprise, was inspired to start his work after watching a YouTube video. He then reached out to the Nature and Life project of CODEC, an NGO in Teknaf for financial assistance. Then, when he received financial support through that project, he started making utensils from betel nut leaves in early 2023. He has three engines or dies. Through this, he is able to make 250–300 pieces of utensils daily.
He also said that the demand for it is high during the tourist season. But suddenly the number of tourists in Teknaf has decreased, so he is not getting any orders.
He has sought the cooperation of the Teknaf Upazila Executive Officer to sell this environmentally friendly tableware. He can help protect the environment by promoting its use in seminars, large restaurants, and GEO-NGOs. Along with this, the demand for healthy and chemical-free tableware will increase.
It is worth noting that Teknaf is famous for betel leaves. There are much betel nut trees and gardens here. Creating tableware from betel nut tree leaves could generate jobs and boost the economy.
