Life in plastic ain’t fantastic: Juhi Chawla firmly believes in the thought

“I was just like everybody else. I used plastic, ate from plastic plates, etc. But what I heard last year blew my mind. During a conversation with my brother-in-law (Hemnabh Khatau of Sugar Corporation of Uganda Ltd), I got to know that there is a huge island of plastic floating in the pacific ocean. It was quite a revelation for me,” says Juhi Chawla (below), who is quite actively trying to save the earth.

Following this, Juhi started reading more about plastic consumption — how it has changed people’s lifestyles and the simple changes one can make to minimise it. “I told my kids Jahnavi and Arjun that they will not be carrying plastic tiffin boxes and water bottles to school. Although they retorted with, ‘Ma, that is so uncool’, I said, ‘I don’t care’. Of course, they gave in,” the actor tells us with her signature chuckle.

Juhi also ensures no one uses plastic bags at home, including her staff. “After spring cleaning my kitchen, I announced to my house staff, who usually carry their lunches in plastic bags, that they must switch to cloth or jute bags. In fact, we have a fine system, like school classrooms. Whoever forgets the ‘no plastic’ rule has to put money in the fine jar. I’ve realised this is the only way habits change, because we are so used to it,” she says.

After enforcing rules at home, Juhi spread the word through friends, Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan. “The plastic strewn after Kolkata Knight Riders matches are collected by an NGO to make bags. We are also working towards finding a solution for water bottles. Perhaps, water fountains? If that is feasible. I feel scientists and engineers are better qualified to come up with an answer. What we as celebs can do is spread awareness. Perhaps someone will read this and figure out a solution. I sincerely hope so,” signs off Juhi.

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The author tweets @iamsusanjose