Foodie thoughts

TIFFINS THAT DELIVER A BENEFIT

An unexpected upside of lockdown is that we’re having more take-outs than we’ve probably ever allowed ourselves – but the inevitable downside is the increase in plastic.

Takeaway delivery companies distribute more than one billion plastic trays, lids and bags every year, according to estimates published recently. A typical delivery is likely to include six pieces of plastic. The Sunday Times found that 15 meals ordered from three leading delivery companies – Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats – for between £20 and £30 contained more than 100 plastic items, even after offers of plastic cutlery had been declined.

Harry Khinda, inset, owner of The Crafty Indian in Shipley, has a solution. “We are the only restaurant in the country promoting and supplying reusable stainless steel tiffins for takeaway food. We also actively encourage their use ahead of plastic. Our business launched in November 2019 and we were on a mission to reduce plastic waste anyway but it became more of an issue due to the three lockdowns. It was especially satisfying to be able to supply food in the tiffins to customers that were shielding especially during lockdown one.

“When my family came to the UK in the 1960s, they brought tiffins with them. Dad would use his to pack his lunch when he went to work in the steel foundry – we still have his original tiffin which demonstrates the longevity of them. He’s quite amused that we’re using them again,” says

Harry.

“We believe eating food from stainless tiffins is neat, crafty, traditional and above all else eliminates the need for plastic use.”

The tins cost between £15 and £18, and you get 10 per cent off each refill.

It’s a win-win: they’re kind to the planet and they look great in your kitchen. I wish I lived a bit closer!