Can India’s 5,000-Year-Old Disposable Clay Tea Cups Compete With Single-Use Plastic?

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A kulhad is a biodegradable, disposable clay cup used in India by food vendors to serve hot beverages like chai and some desserts like yogurt. The cups have been excavated from the Indus Valley from as far back as the end of the Stone Age, 5,000 years ago. They are generally unglazed and unpainted so the hot liquid will seep into the clay, which is said to affect the flavor of the beverages giving it a more earthy note. While synthetic materials like plastic and paper have started replacing these clay cups as they are cheaper and more convenient for vendors to acquire, the clay cups still persist in India today. The cost per kulhad can vary but generally sits around 1 rupee, or .01 USD. Each kulhad is made by hand in harsh conditions that take a significant toll on the artisans. But proponents point to kulhads as the healthier, more environmentally friendly option, though the science isn't all there. We went inside a kulhad workshop outside of Kolkata to see how the traditional clay cup business is still standing. ------------------------------------------------------ #india #clay #businessinsider #stillstanding MORE STILL STANDING VIDEOS: Tequila and Mezcal's Newest Rival Is Over 2,000 Years Old | Still Standing | Business Insider https://youtu.be/jucLS44iOkE How Indonesia’s Rare Foot-Pressed Tea is Surviving Despite the Odds | Business Insider https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0px4Qwyrk0 How Descendants Of Taj Mahal Artisans Are Keeping Marble Inlay Work Alive | Still Standing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yz8-j2hWYbo Business Insider tells you all you need to know about business, finance, tech, retail, and more. Visit our homepage for the top stories of the day: https://www.businessinsider.com Business Insider on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/businessinsider Business Insider on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderbusiness Business Insider on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/businessinsider Business Insider on Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/discover/Business_Insider/5319643143 Business Insider on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@businessinsider