Last year at the badger festival my husband and our dear god brother and godsister Trilokanath das and Mahojjvala were inspired by myself and my husband's consciousness regarding bringing our own stainless steel plates. I am sometimes disgusted by the amount of needless waste prouduced by our devotional festivals. It's not rocket science that we should pass on a clean and inspiring way of living to our children as well as to the inspired guests.

After the govardhan puja my parter was determined to donate money towards shipping stainless steel plates from india for the use of the festival. It would cost not much, and the benefits are surmounting. If I can purchase a stainless steel plate in Canada at the dollar store for 1.00 then surely we can ship them from india for much cheaper.

We are willing to donate at the very least 108 dollars or plates for next years badger fest, perhaps the same can be done for new Vraj,

We can all make impressions in the hearts of new devotees by paying attention to the needs of the planet and the many creatures that share this earth.

It may be helpful to see that the Amaji devotees use reusable plates as well as sell bottled water (weith refundable and reusable bottles) Money's raised go to sustainable supplies for the tours and festivals.
Some of her devotees were in an uproar about the waste the bottles were causing and they have turned it into a devotional service to reuse and recycle them as well as use the funds for supporting there mission.
Perhaps we are behind in the matter of sustainability regarding devotional service.

There are little things we can do to make a big difference, it is not maya it is common sense.

I am very greatful that more devotees are catching on to the pressing issue of waste and festivals.
It allways saddens me to see this as not a problem when it clearly does impact the planet in a big way, even if it is prasad that is being served on these plates, it is still needless waste.
This could be a direct service to our beloved0 Srila Gurudev to provide re-usable and clean plates for his disciples.

Warmly,
menaka dasi