Reduce, reuse, rewind

Before plastic replaced paper, cheap flights replaced train journeys, and online shopping became the norm, we focused on growth, not garbage

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

One of my favourite things to do when I am travelling abroad is to go grocery shopping in the local markets and supermarkets. Nothing tells you as much about a place as finding out what the locals like to eat, drink and buy (and as a bonus, you get to sample the wares once you get back home).

Of late, however, I noticed that I got disapproving looks when I asked for a plastic bag to pack my purchases in. Nearly everyone else was carrying a cloth or jute tote bag to take their stuff away and here I was, asking for more plastic to pollute the planet. I longed to explain that I have my eco-friendly totes tucked away safely at home (where I use them all the time) but I am on holiday, for God's sake, so cut me a break. But instead of doing that I have now taken to packing a little thela in my suitcase for all such exigencies.