When will Pune schools start using steel tiffin boxes instead of plastic?

Pune schools are set to begin regularly using steel tiffins instead of plastic ones starting in June 2026.

What is the main goal of the Steel Tiffin Pledge in Pune schools?

The main goal is to reduce waste at the source by keeping plastic, particularly microplastic-leaching materials, away from children's food and water.

How are schools in Pune addressing the cost and loss of steel tiffin boxes?

Some schools are implementing measures like displaying found tiffin boxes for students to claim and educating parents on the health costs of plastic alternatives.

Home / Environment / Pune Students Shun Plastic Tiffins for Steel

Pune Students Shun Plastic Tiffins for Steel

9 Feb

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Summary

Students pledge to use steel tiffins starting June 2026.
Campaign targets microplastic reduction from children's food.
Mission City Chakra empowers policymakers for waste reduction.

Pune Students Shun Plastic Tiffins for Steel

In a significant move against plastic waste, over 56,000 students across Pune schools have taken a pledge to transition to steel tiffin boxes. This initiative, commencing in June 2026, aims to eliminate microplastic contamination in children's food and water. The Steel Tiffin Pledge is spearheaded by the Centre for Sustainable Development as part of Mission City Chakra, focusing on source reduction.

Schools like Vanaz Parivar Vidya Mandir and LS Jadabai English School have already begun pilot projects and fully adopted the practice. Principals cite health concerns associated with heated plastics leaching into food as a primary motivator. The campaign emphasizes individual action for collective impact, with awareness flowing from children to parents.

This effort aligns with broader global concerns about plastic pollution. The United Nations reports millions of tonnes of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems annually. By targeting school lunchboxes, a daily source of plastic use for young children, the initiative seeks to foster sustainable habits and protect both health and the environment.