Alternative to Plastic Bottles

We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.

Sustainability is not just about adopting the latest energy-efficient technologies or turning to renewable
sources of power. It is the responsibility of every individual every day. In the 21st Century heroes will be the
people who will improve the quality of life, fight poverty and introduce more sustainability. Since inception IIM
Shillong has always given thrust on Sustainability. The SUSCON is the prime vehicle of this Sustainability
movement which provides a global platform for dialogue and deliberations to its various stakeholders. Being
an institute of national stature, it is important that all the products used while organizing it ought to be
sustainable. Thus, plastic bottles ought to be replaced.

One of the greatest milestones in the history of human civilization was the invention of pottery.
However, once we began fashioning metal into durable shapes, clay utensils slowly started taking a backseat.
Clay pots keep water temperature low despite scorching summer heat. That’s one of the primary reasons why
the practice is still at large in the villages. Bans on plastic in various states has also encouraged people to shun
plastic water and switch to earthen clay made pots. They also add an authentic Indian look.

Such earthen pots can be procured from a website called “Mitti Cool – the soul of the soil”. Mitti cool
water bottle is a revolutionary self-cooling bottle made of eco-friendly terra cotta ware. They use 100% natural
clay as the raw material which adds a unique flavor to water. One earthen clay water bottle of 1 litre cost
around Rs.333. There is a special offer for a combo of 10 pieces of water bottle at Rs.2500 + Free Delivery to
Meghalaya. It’s easy to clean by just using hot water and gentle non-abrasive cleaning pad. It weights around
0.905 kgs which will be delivered in a thermocol pack 30 days after confirmation of order. Also, Mitti Cool
which is headquartered in Rajkot, Gujarat abides by Clean India, Make in India and Rural Employment
Schemes. Mitti Cool products are also easily available at Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal. There are also other
earthen water bottle dealers available at online marketplaces at prices ranging from Rs.200 – Rs.800.

The cost of the above earthen pots is indeed significantly higher than the Rs.10 Bisleri bottles available
which are actually distributed in conferences and seminars. Other alternatives include paper water bottles.
Scouting for paper water bottle manufacturers is very difficult in India. As per the newspaper articles even the
government which banned plastic searched for paper water bottle manufacturers in India but eventually had
to import sample from US and have decided to manufacture in India.There are certain manufactures in the US
who manufacture bottles biodegradable in 3 weeks made of naturally occurring bio polymer. However, again
the cost of import won’t be feasible.