Do individual efforts matter? Here are my two cents

Leave a Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

Do individual efforts matter?

When it comes to climate change, do individual efforts matter? This is something I ponder upon every time I do something positive for our planet. And every time, I come to the same conclusion – yes, they do!

There is a school of thought that believes in entirely blaming big oil and fossil fuel giants for climate change. This thought is valid, but only to a certain extent. We tend to demand systemic change but let’s not forget that the system is made up of individuals like you and me. Thus, behavioural change at both levels becomes vital.

If we look at it, we do share 50% of the blame. I say this because we have been, and continue consuming more than we need. We fall prey to the marketing gimmicks and end up buying stuff we can totally do without. Guilty as charged!

Excess of anything results in its overuse. We overconsume food, fashion, electricity, water, private vehicles, and whatnot! To sustain our lifestyles, we now need about 1.8 earths. It this habit to overconsume one of the culprits ruining the balance of our planet. Don’t you agree?

We have been taught through our formal education why we must protect the sanctity of our natural world and the environment. Yet, we haven’t learned anything and continue to exploit. Not to be cynical but every human being plays a villainous part in some or the other way. From an unbothered politician, a careless brand, an ignorant contractor, a banking model that funds planet-destroying mining firms, to a layman refusing to give up plastic, etc. We cannot just blame our leaders and not do anything ourselves. Governments will impose countless regulations, but those won’t help unless citizens show genuine support and follow protocols.

How do individual efforts matter?

As we march towards a sustainable world, there are two possible pathways. One is to reduce our ecological footprint. This is achievable with pro-active governance on both national and international levels to put an end to further exploitation of our natural and conserve what’s left.

The other pathway is to increase the ecological capacity of our world, which is possible with our participation. Let me give you an example. We have long endured the use-and-throw culture in our lives, which has led to a tremendous amount of waste. We have created so much trash that we have not only disturbed the ecosystem on land but also that of our water bodies. But how are we tackling this problem? By simply installing units such as ‘sewage treatment plants,’ the STPs. This is known as an end-of-pipe solution. But instead of an STP, what if we stop letting waste into our rivers and seas in the first place? Wouldn’t that help keep our water bodies healthy? Wouldn’t it reduce the spending of a tax payer’s money?

It isn’t simply about installing an STP, it is about every form of waste we create. If we’ll be mindful enough to control what we discard as waste from our homes, we can contribute in increasing the ecological capacity of our planet. The first week of Covid lockdown is an excellent example. We stopped creating pollution through our cars and factories, and boom! Air became cleaner and skies clearer. Just imagine what we can achieve if we implement deliberate and immediate measures.

We as citizens hold two big assets to make change happen. The first one is our ability to vote. The leader we vote for isn’t just responsible for developing our economy. We need to realise that our leader has to be conscious enough to develop a nation’s ecological capacity and quality of life for its citizen, alongside the economy. So when a government turns out to be incompetent, we share the blame.

The second asset we hold is the ability to vote with our wallets. As more and more individuals are going green, we now have brands coming up with sustainable alternatives. We are seeing this change happen. I do not need statistics to support this (in case you’re not convinced, check out this report by the WWF). Every time you purchase an eco-friendly service/product, you are voting with your wallet. So you see, what we chose to buy, changes the market. A change in the market helps in transitioning to a more sustainable society.

I understand that it would be complete ignorance at my end if I do not address the problem of equity in our society. Not everyone has the privilege of voting with their wallets. But this is not a problem with no solution. It is the responsibility of our authorities to provide every citizen with equitable access to resources. An equal starting point for each human makes development easier, again drawing attention to the importance of voting.

Today, multiple instances show how citizen action drives change. It was evident when the Dutch government sued Royal Dutch Shell. It is evident with the Riverfront development project in Pune kept on hold. It is evident with the price of a bamboo toothbrush coming down from once ₹150 to now ₹50! It is evident with countless options for vegans of today. It is evident with a brand like H&M, after receiving a lot of backlash, introducing “sustainable” clothing line. There are many more such instances.

So do individual efforts matter? Hell yeah! Perhaps the only differentiating factor is that the pace of change might be slow. But it is of value. The onus should not be on the government, nor should it be on individuals. It has to be a partnership.

Behavioural change has to be at both levels. Only a well-informed, aware, and educated person can take mindful decisions for his citizens and the planet. Similarly, only a well-informed, aware, and educated citizen will make mindful choices that support sustainability.

In conclusion, read this out loud: INDIVIDUAL EFFORTS MATTER! Never believe otherwise.

Ecopurple always intends to influence people to do more good for our planet. This opinion piece is one of those humble attempts.

How Can We Achieve A Sustainable Economy for A Better Tomorrow?

Leave a Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

What is a Sustainable Economy? Why Do We Need it?

Take a look at this definition by the WWF,

“A sustainable economy is resilient and provides a good quality of life for everybody. It stays within the limits of the planet and helps keep global warming within the well below 2°C thresholds.”

Those in bold are the keywords we must take into consideration when discussing sustainability. But the questions to ask here are, are we chasing that quality of life? And, do our demands lie within the limits of our planet?

Considering the current state of our planet, the answers to the above questions can be disappointing. Since industrialization, we have followed the suit of what’s called the “Brown economy.” To put it simply – Linear economy.

For too long, we have been living in a world where our GDP is mostly driven by an economy heavy on our planet. In the race to identify ourselves as “developed, ” we have unsustainably exploited our resources. And so, it is not surprising that we are well on our way to the 6th mass extinction. Eco-anxiety surely kicks in here. And after much contemplation, it’s hard not to wonder, “what can be done differently?”

While making our lifestyle eco-friendly is indispensable today, our world needs more than individual actions. And thus, striving for a Sustainable Economy can be the solution here. For this, the “business-as-usual” or the Linear economy approach has to be revoked.

The sooner we replace the Brown economy with the ‘Green’ and ‘Blue’ ones, the sooner we will achieve a sustainable future. Let’s learn what these two sustainable economies are.

A glossary to keep it simple:

1. The Green Economy

Coined in 1989, this model is the exact opposite of the brown economy. Here, economic, social, and environmental development is in harmony with one another.

“In a green economy, growth in employment and income is driven by public and private investment into such economic activities, infrastructure and assets that allow reduced carbon emissions and pollution, enhanced energy and resource efficiency, and prevention of the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.”

In this approach, there is sustainable consumption and production. There is circularity. In place of fossils, it is the renewables that drive energy. Society is inclusive, fair, and no one is left behind. Solutions are based on science. It is a state where our natural resources not only survive but also thrive and provide.

There are 5 principles put forth by a synergy of noble organizations to achieve this. They are as follows:

The Well-being Principle

Prioritizing human well-being, health, and development will be significant in a sustainable economy. This will require us to think beyond the monetary gains. It’ll be about ensuring health, happiness, education, and progress are shared on a communal level.

The Justice Principle

A green economy must build a resilient society that celebrates inclusivity, equity, equality, social justice, and human rights. Here, the issues of citizens, especially those marginalized/ minoritized, are not only heard but also resolved in a fair and just manner. It strengthens the rights of workers, indigenous people, meanwhile strengthening the right to sustainable development. No one is left behind.

The Planetary Boundaries Principle

The functional, cultural, and ecological values of our natural world are recognized and nurtured. A green economy encourages development while safeguarding the biodiversity of the planet. Sustainability efforts are made by innovations and investments in the restoration of our natural systems.

The Efficiency and Sufficiency Principle

A sustainable green economy promotes SCP so that global demands are well within planetary boundaries. Goods and services are low on carbon and based on circularity. It provides for the basic upkeeping of human well-being and also addresses overconsumption trends.

“It aligns prices, subsidies, and incentives with true costs to society, through mechanisms where the ‘polluter pays’ and/or where benefits accrue to those who deliver inclusive green outcomes.”

The Good Governance Principle

Sustainable Development seeks a resilient, transparent, integrated, and accountable governing institution. Good governance calls for leadership that acknowledges public participation and consent. Decision-making serves societal interests and shared communal well-being. It builds an inclusive and diverse economy that is science-based and ecologically sound.

These interconnected principles provide a holistic vision for going about the green economy that ensures the prosperity of both lives on land and in the water.

2. The Blue Economy - an Extension of the Green Economy

Set in motion by but not limited to the SIDS, it is the economy powered by our oceans. The sustainable and ethical management of our oceanic resources underpins the Blue economy. It goes way beyond the perception of assuming the oceans as a free resource where there’s no reimbursement on exploitation. It is about acknowledging and not undervaluing the economic contribution of the oceans to humankind.

The Blue economy includes the mindful procurement of seafood, safe marine transportation, coastal and off-shore tourism, biotechnology, sustainable extraction of oils and minerals, bio-prospecting, sustainable energy production, and overall ocean conservation. In this approach, socio-economic development does not come at the cost of our invaluable oceans.

General Significance:

It is estimated that about 3 billion people are dependent on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. Globally, the market value of marine and coastal resources and industries is estimated at $3 trillion per year or about 5% of global GDP.
The islands and coastal communities rely largely on maritime activities for their economy. Ocean provides them with financial as well as direct and indirect food security. This is crucial to learn because about 87% of global fish stocks are now fully or overexploited! Overfishing is particularly bad in parts of the developing world, where many people already struggle to get enough nutritious food to eat.
In the least developed countries, almost 50% of the population depends on fisheries as their primary source of protein. Not to mention employment. This makes investing in sustainable aquaculture and marine science to predict ocean productivity critical.
Tourism is another sector which unless there’s a pandemic, will only continue to grow. In less developed and small island countries, coastal and ocean-related tourism continues to be a vital part of the national economy.
On average, the tourism sector accounts for almost 30% of the GDP of the SIDS, according to WTTC data. This share is over 50% for the Maldives, Seychelles, St. Kitts, Nevis, and Grenada.
Offering sustainable tourism/ ecotourism can promote environment conservation on land as well as in water. This helps generate employment opportunities for the locals and also in preserving their cultural heritage.

Environmental and Ecological Significance:

The Blue Economy complies with the 14th SDG: Life Below Water, and rightly so. If we are to stand a chance against climate change, the oceans are our biggest ally.
Oceans absorb more than 20% of annual CO2 emissions and 90% of excess heat. They are responsible for the global climate and weather patterns. For the air we breathe and much of the food the world feasts.
Unfortunately, anthropogenic emissions, climate change, and waste debris are messing with marine biodiversity. Causing ocean acidification, stratification, reduced nutrient mixing, marine heatwaves, etc., to accelerate altogether.
‘Blue carbon’ sinks like mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and other vegetated ocean habitats sequester carbon up to 5 times as effective as tropical forests.

More than 25% of all marine life find their homes in the coral reefs. These corals not only look after the marine species but also the species on land. The corals and the blue carbon ecosystems act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, strong ocean currents, storms, hurricanes, and other cyclones.
Another “green” significance of an ocean is its ability to provide multiple sources of renewable energy. We can harness wind, wave, tidal, ocean current, salinity, etc., into reliable sources of energy production. Of course, mindful deployment of systems is a must here to ensure less to zero environmental distress.
If done right, oceans can generate about 20,000 terawatts to 80,000 terawatts of electricity; this is 100 to 400% of the current energy demand globally.

How we manage our ocean and its resources determines our future. Reshaping the ocean economy whilst taking care of marine health is going to be significant.

What we need is stringent ocean governance within and beyond areas of national jurisdiction. Regulations on waste, emissions, resource use, IUU fishery, and other maritime activities must be in place.

Oceans have great potential in helping us meet the SDGs. However, it is only possible if we manage to restore them to a healthy state. This could be why the UN has declared 2021-2030 as a “Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.”

Finally, coming back to the main question,

How can we achieve a Sustainable Economy?

The solution to this question may look flawless on paper but its execution is going to be difficult. While we construct resilient sustainable economies, it is necessary to ensure that the transition happens in a just manner. This means addressing the pre-existing injustices as well as the injustices that might occur with the transition.

A just transition takes care of the workers who will be laid off once conventional systems change. Local communities will see the consequences of transition firsthand. Therefore, growth should be community-oriented where their concerns are heard and acknowledged.

Intersectional knowledge, education, participation of the public – mainly the youth has great potential in influencing policy-making.

Moreover, bringing about sustainability in both socio-economic and ecological fronts will require feminism. Closing the gender gap by including women every step of the way will potentially speed up development.

A sustainable economy recognizes poverty, social injustices, environmental crises, overconsumption, etc., and works to rise above these issues. A strong collaboration of institutions that guarantees planet and people over profit will play a definitive role.

Having said that, individual participation in influencing decision-making to push for a greater change remains pivotal. Everyone has a role to play.

Achieving a sustainable economy will be difficult. However, it is not impossible.

The Bio Architects: Put Your Hands Together (PYHT)

Leave a Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

Meet the Bio Architects of Mumbai

‘Put Your Hands Together’ (PYHT), a team of bio architects is a firm that aces when it comes to constructing eco-friendly infrastructures. What sets them apart from the conventional architects, the very essence of bio-architecture, is the choice of working with natural materials, thus practicing eco-friendly architecture.

When asked about the philosophy behind their work, this is what Shahveer, one of the co-founders, had to say,

“To design spaces that bring a sense of peace and calm, the materials we use contribute a great factor to this too. So we design with the ecosystem and build with natural materials.”

'Put Your Hands Together's' Eco-conscious Approach

To talk about their environment-friendly process, it all begins from sourcing what is available locally. For this, PYHT mostly relies upon the site and its vicinity.

“First choice is the site itself, and then we keep spanning outward to get material from as close to the site as possible.”

Also, as opposed to cement, PYHT prefers to work with the natural binding material – the earth. This rustic COB house built at Kamshet, with materials sourced on-site, makes a good case in point.

Not just COB, but PYHT also crafts and works with other natural materials such as adobe, rammed earth, CSEB (compressed stabilized earth blocks), bamboo, etc., every material, inspired and sourced locally. As a result, each design complements the ecosystem it is within.

Also read: Upcycling at its Best – Studio Alternatives

Challenges are a part of everything one does in his/her life. And these bio-architects are no different. They, too, have to deal with them in executing this eco-conscious concept.

“There are a plenty of challenges, books can be written on the same, as designers our job is problem solving, sustainable or not. Some of the ones we face regularly are, resistance/skepticism from people of the idea and feasibility of what we do.”

Intentionally or not, it is safe to say that Put Your Hands Together is reviving the ancient art of architecture in this modern world. A technique that was kinder to our ecosystems. Be it building an earthquake-resistant home in Nepal or a homestay at Manali, PYHT’s confidence in natural materials is meritorious.

10+ Online Stores to Shop and Celebrate a Sustainable Diwali

3 Comments / By Sharayu Mishal

Celebrate a Responsible, Eco friendly, and a Sustainable Diwali!

What according to you defines Diwali? May be the lights, shopping, ethnic outfits, Rangolis, or delicacies, etc. Your answers might be different, but we can all agree that Diwali truly brings along a wholesome festive vibe, doesn’t it?

What I love the most is the shopping and gifting aspect of it! It’s the one time of the year when the expenses do not take you on a guilt trip. You worry less and celebrate more. But while you’re at it, how about a responsible celebration this time? How about this time we celebrate a sustainable Diwali?

Click here to get straight to the point.

Why a Sustainable Diwali?

Although Diwali is a festival of love and light, environmental concerns also rise. I’m not going to lecture about air pollution, it’s 2020, and hence self-explanatory. We often discuss about fire crackers to be the ultimate issue, but there’s an underestimated pollution we forget- Fashion. As the festival spirit calls for shopping the best ethnic wear, it’s a profit season for the fast fashion brands. This is why a sustainable Diwali celebration matters. So let’s talk more about shopping that is both, ethically and environmentally safe.

With Diwali right around the corner, you might be on a shopping spree or in search of the perfect family presents. And since you’re here, I can say you are looking to make an eco-conscious buy. Thus, I’ve created this list of 10+ conscious online stores. These will help you celebrate a responsible and a sustainable Diwali.

To make your life easy, the stores are divided into 3 categories:

1. For clothing

2. For Jewelry (click here to jump right into it)

3. For overall shopping or gifting (click here and jump right into it).

Disclaimer: The following list is in no particular order of preference.

Shop/Gift Eco-friendly Ethnic Wear

1. Nicobar

Nicobar belongs to the slow fashion bandwagon. Their philosophy is to make products that are: long lasting, not trend-driven, inspired by natural materials, and influenced by the culture we grew up in.

The above collage is only a gist of what Nicobar has to offer.

2. Sundarii

Sundarii, as you can see, has ‘sundar’ (beautiful) collection of sarees, doesn’t it? These are ethically sourced and sustainably crafted. Keeping fast fashion away and reviving the Indian heritage of handicrafts, Sundarii designs conscious apparels that you’ll cherish for years to come.

3. Okhai

Okhai is yet another handicraft-based apparel brand that stands tall due to the hardworking force of rural artisans from across India. Supported by the Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD), Okhai does well in expressing the rural way of life through their beautifully handcrafted products.

To know 10 more sustainable fashion brands, check out my previous blog:

https://ecopurple.co/sustainable-fashion-brands-for-you/

Shop/Gift Eco-friendly Jewelry

1. Vie

Vie, meaning ‘life’ in French is true to it’s name as the brand is giving wasted, rejected buttons from factories a new life! What’s interesting is that Vie makes use of natural buttons only, and not the ones that are synthetic, plastic, or polyester.

2. Papermelon

Trashy treasures! Papermelon literally ‘crafts’ jewelry out of paper stash and I’m all for it. Amazing to know that each piece is handmade with love and creativity. Be it a brand new paper, or an old newspaper, Papermelon brings the best out of both!

3. Eurumme

With sustainability and conscious production at the forefront, Eurumme has an eccentric line of jewelry. Eurumme handcrafts imperfectly perfect jewelries with metal and semi precious stones through the technique of plating and electroplating. Each piece is unique as no two pieces are same.

Shop/Gift Eco-friendly Diwali Presents

1. Brown Living

This one’s a personal favourite! Brown Living is an online marketplace dedicated to sustainable products. If you’re trying to live a plastic-free, sustainable, or a zero waste life, then don’t waste a second and check out this online store!

2. Bare Necessities Zero Waste

Bare Nessecities Zero Waste is yet another store for you to make a sustainable purchase. When looking for a thoughtful gift, how about a zero waste gift bundle? This can help your loved ones have a less environmental impact which in turn will bring along a feel-good vibe!

3. The Happy Turtle

Promoting a life that is free of plastic is the cornerstone of The Happy Turtle. The team is dedicated to providing eco-friendly alternatives to plastic infused products. This pretty lantern, the bamboo speaker, and the plastic-free travel kit are some of the best options to gift your dear ones and yourself, too!

4. Zerowasteshop India

The name says it all! Beginning a zero waste lifestyle is much needed in current times and stores like these help in making a zero waste swap in nearly every which way possible. From kitchen and bathroom essentials to home decor, lifestyle, and travel essentials, this Zero waste shop has an alternative for all!

Celebrating a sustainable Diwali will take you closer to our planet. You will end up feeling joyful, yet proud, for you took a stand for your home – the Earth.

I hope you celebrate a safe, happy, and a sustainable Diwali!

Best Sustainable Razors For Men and Women (2021)

1 Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

It's Time to Green your Grooming Session with a Sustainable Razor

Does your shaving razor look something like these ones? If yes, we have a problem.

I’m all for normalizing the stigma around body hair. But in the end, it all comes down to personal choice, right? To shave or not to shave, that is the question!

Well, I’m not going to discuss the benefits or the demerits of shaving, that’s not what I’m here for. What I do wanna discuss is the topic my title suggests – Sustainable Razors.

Wanna get straight to the point? Click here.

But What does Sustainability has to do with Razors?

First of all, sustainability has to do with everything. And razors, too, are a part of it.

How Exactly?

Today if we compare a regular disposable razor, it consists of our beloved culprit – Plastic. Now I don’t want to get into explaining how bad plastic is. It’s common knowledge.

Let’s dissect this razor. The handle is often made with plastic, and rubber to maintain the grip. Then comes the plastic cartridge embedded with the metal blades.

Although the blades are recyclable, do we really detach them before discarding them? I never did. And I’m pretty sure you don’t do it either.

Also, how annoying is it when the hair is still clogged into the blades? While the cleaning factor is the biggest demerit in a disposable cartridge razor, it is one of the best advantages in a sustainable safety razor!

Moreover, a disposable razor is unlikely to recycle. Even the blades cannot be recycled in this situation. This is because they’re embedded within the plastic cartridge. I cannot stress this point any further. By now you should realize that a basic shaving razor is not innocent. Disposables are becoming the new plastic straws!

Anything that is disposable, is wasteful. And a disposable razor is no exception. Millions contribute this waste to landfill each year. Let’s not be a part of this bandwagon.

The following is a list of some of the Best Sustainable Razors available for both men and women. Check them out and make that rightful switch.

PS, the list is in no particular order of preference.

1. Reusable Bamboo Razor for Women By 'The Woman's Company'

The Woman’s Company is an eco-conscious brand that showcases personal care products for women only (Duh!!).

This sustainable razor is one of their eco products that is completely plastic-free. It consists of natural bamboo and stainless steel metal-head. And as a result, safe for the environment. A good companion for your low-waste living.

What to Expect?

The razor comes with a natural bamboo handle which is super light and provides an easy grip.
The metal head provides a safe fit for double-edged blades making it super-efficient as well.
The skin-protecting shield actually shields your skin from getting any cut. Thus, the razor shines in providing you with a safe, smooth, and pain-free experience.
TWC also provides a set of 10 free blades with the razor. Once a blade loses its sharpness, simply replace it with another.
You will also be provided with an in-depth user manual.

Blades are recyclable, so there’s no reason to be guilty while discarding them. Make sure you discard them with proper caution, you don’t want to harm an innocent waste collector.

One of the benefits is that you can use this razor for not only your basic body hair but also for your bikini area. It’s that pain-free!

Trust me, once you’ll give it a try, you won’t turn back. You will ditch those disposable razors for good!

Pros

Durable/ reusable design
Eco-friendly
Bacteria and rust-free
Plastic-free
Biodegradable (bamboo) and recyclable (blade)
Plastic-free packaging
10 free blades
Relatively Cheap

Cons

You might need some time to get used to.
Compared to the plastic razors, this one does not have a flexible head.

Say no to disposables and say yes to reusables.

2. Bambaw's Eco-friendly Unisex Double Edge Safety Razor

Next on my list is yet another bamboo razor by the brand – Bambaw. Bambaw is one of the trusted brands from Europe, a seller of products that are harmless to earth, such as this razor.

Bambaw’s unisex razor aims to re-introduce you to that traditional plastic-free shaving. A shaving experience undermined by the disposables of today.

What to Expect?

All-natural lightweight bamboo handle with a handy grip.
A stainless steel metal head appropriate for a double edge blade.
Provides a pain-free, smooth, and safe shaving experience like the disposable ones. In fact, much better.
Inclusive of an in-depth user manual.

Here, too, you can replace the blade once it becomes blunt. Remember, discard the blades with the safety of others in mind.

Coming back to the point, if you want to make your shaving experience irritation, hassle, and plastic-free, then this is it. This sustainable razor is confident to become your lifetime grooming bestie!

And did I mention the plastic-free packaging?!

Pros

Durable
Eco-friendly
plastic-free
biodegradable (bamboo), recyclable (blade)
Skin-safe
Plastic-free packaging

Cons

Quite expensive
Provides only a single Astra blade.
You might need some time to get used to.
Compared to the plastic razors, this one does not have a flexible head.

Be part of a bigger movement by reducing your plastic consumption.

3. Bambaw's Metal Safety Razors

Bambaw also has a metal razors collection. Metal being the raw material, it is possible to recycle them.

What to Expect?

These unisex metal safety razors are available in 3 colors. Currently in India, you can find only 2 colors – Black and Rose Gold.
Has a contemporary design that might interest you.
Equipped with the double edge settings, firm grip to handle, and a no-stress experience.
Smooth shaving feels. Perfectly safe to skin.
Inclusive of an in-depth user manual.

Pros

Durable/ reusable design
Eco-friendly
Plastic-free razor
Recyclable
Plastic-free packaging

Cons

Quite expensive
Provides only a single Astra blade
You might need some time to get used to.
Compared to the plastic razors, this one does not have a flexible head.

Liked what you saw and read? Then,

Also read: 10 Best Sustainable Fashion Brands in India.

4. Unisex Butterfly Open Safety Razors by Zomchi

Looking for a much stylish touch? Then check out this interestingly designed sustainable razor by Zomchi.

What to Expect?

A complete metal based handle and head.
Hassle-free to use, easy-grip, easy fit for double-edged blades. Blades are of course replaceable.

Twist the bottom of the handle and the metal head opens up (like the wings of a butterfly). Place the blade on the blade holder and twist it back to close the wings. Dramatic enough? Repeat the exact steps while replacing the blade.

Smooth experience
Pain-free
Skin-safe

With the customer first policy, every razor accompanies a set of 5 blades and a mini cleaning brush. A complete package!

PS, the mini brush might contradict the ‘plastic-free’ goal.

Pros

Durable/ reusable design
Eco-friendly
Plastic-free razor
Recyclable
5 extra blades

Cons

Quite expensive
The cleaning brush might contain plastic.
You might need some time to get used to.
Compared to the plastic razors, this one does not have a flexible head.

Zomchi promises to give you an ultimate shaving experience while helping you be a responsible earthling.

5. Almitra Sustainables' Reusable Double Edge Safety Razor

A believer in co-existence, this brand is championing sustainability like a charm. And this Bamboo razor is one of the testimonies to their promise.

What to Expect?

This double edge safety razor is designed to give a comfortable shaving experience.
It is an ergonomic product providing an easy-grip bamboo handle.
Has a stainless steel metal-head making it convenient to recycle.
Gender-neutral.

Pros

Durable/ reusable design
Eco-friendly
Plastic-free
Biodegradable (bamboo) and recyclable (blades and metal head)
Relatively cheap

Cons

You might need some time to get used to.
Compared to the plastic razors, this one does not have a flexible head.
No extra blades

A sustainable razor for you, and a sustainable life for our planet!

Conclusion

All the razors mentioned above are great alternatives to disposable ones.
I also cannot ignore the fact that sustainable razors cost more than what we pay for a regular one. But you, too, should not forget that it is an investment for many years to come. Even a lifetime! This is an investment you’ll fail to regret.
You will no longer need to buy a razor every other month, how about that?
This small step of saying no to single-use will make a huge impact on the planet.
#sustainabilitymatter.

Best Eco-friendly Air Cooler By Ant Studio

Leave a Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

Ant Studio's Eco-friendly Air Cooler is an Eco-Innovative Brilliance

The history of Indians and pottery goes way back. It was the Indus Valley Civilization that led to the beginning of Indian pottery.

Our forefathers have been indulging in this form of craft although today, the market is dominated by other alternatives. Plasticware, glassware, are now considered to be much more convenient.

Having said that, there are still many households not only in the villages but also in the cities, who have kept the traditions alive. The technological advancement didn’t stop Indians from storing water in a Matka (earthen pot).

Despite having a refrigerator, Indians still prefer the Matka!

The Matkas have been in use for water storage since ancient times. It’s a well-known fact that they have natural cooling properties.

A tradition similar to this was also practiced in the middle east. The knowledge that evaporating water cools the air dates back a long time, to the Ancient Egyptians. And Ant Studio’s eco-friendly air cooler stems exactly from this phenomenon.

Set in New Delhi, the founder – Monish Siripurapu, and his team is a group of intellectuals working in tune with Architecture, Nature, and Technology.

Ant Studio has designed multiple infrastructures using computational technologies. And, this eco air cooling installation was one such by-product.

Monish’s team chose the technique of evaporative cooling, and the eco-friendly air cooler came into being. As the structural design was inspired by that of a beehive, they named it as, CoolAnt Beehive – Biomimetic Cooler and Air Purifier.

This Beehive with around 800 terracotta cones was constructed for the DEKI Electronics factory, Noida to combat the high temperatures of heat radiated by their generator set up.

What's Impressive is..

The installation makes use of sustainable pieces of equipment. The structure is designed using terracotta cones, locally available eco-friendly materials, reusable stainless steel, and utilizes recycled water.

Terracotta is a clay-based earthenware. It’s made with natural clay and is thus a Green material.

The Beehive is not only ecologically efficient but also economically convenient. It calls for low maintenance, makes use of the cheap and durable steel, thereby making it an affordable investment.

Ant Studio sources the cones from Dinesh Kumar, a local potter from the Uttam Nagar of West Delhi. The team gives Dinesh the design of the required size and shape. Dinesh then with his pottery, crafts the building blocks of the Beehive.

The cherry on the cake is that since the installation is made using sustainable elements, it does not give out harmful emissions or plastic waste. Plus, the energy used by this eco-friendly air cooler is about 1/3rd of that used by a regular air conditioner.

How does this Eco-friendly Air Cooler Work?

The area around the installation consists of hot air coming from the Genset. When the recycled water from the factory is made to run down the cones, the hot air tends to evaporate that water.

Due to this evaporation, the temperature of the hot air passing through the cones drops. This happens because of the evaporative cooling principle.

Also, the cylindrical terracotta cones that it comprises of, allow maximum cooling effect due to the large surface area.

It was observed that the temperature of the hot air with 55-degrees Celsius, when passed through the installation dropped to 36-degrees celsius. Thus proving it’s effective functionality.

Such a low-tech, eco-friendly air cooler is yet to be engineered for household purposes.

The Studio says, “The installation can also be converted into a zero-energy prototype which would require manual pouring of water over the pots once or twice a day. This can be done in areas where there is shortage of power supply, but it is not an ideal solution.“

For now, the installation is efficient for combating the heat stress around open spaces, like the heavy generators.

The studio has built this CoolAnt Beehive at multiple places according to the requirements.

With climate change taking momentum, eco-creative developments like these are the need of the hour. We need more green architects like Monish Siripurapu. We need engineers who believe technological advancement can complement global interest. And tackling climate change is a Global interest even though our leaders are ignorant about it.

In an interview with Eco India, Monish said,

“The whole idea is how can we enhance upon the methods that already existed and use the current ways to improve upon the systems that are there. We have a rich culture and heritage that talks about beautiful systems and methods that have been successfully implemented. We are not short of technology, we are not short of materials, we are not short of labor, and the machines. So it’s only about the mindset.”

Isn’t Monish’s ideology to correlate our heritage and modern technology impressive?

Are you aware of such architects of sustainability? Comment down below.

If you want to read about another such sustainable architectural firm, check out my blog.

Buy Sustainable Products with Brown Living

Leave a Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

Shop Sustainable Products without Going on a Guilt Trip

Are you aware of Greenwashing?

To Greenwash someone is to fool them by claiming that a product/service is environmentally friendly. Brands make such bogus claims to attract customers looking for sustainable products.

Have you ever been Greenwashed yourself?

I know I have. But I have learned from my mistake, and just so that this doesn’t happen with you, I want to highlight a green community that promises to provide a range of trustworthy sustainable products. Since I have invested in them, I can vouch for their service 🙂

Let’s get to know them.

Brown Living

Chaitsi Ahuja, the founder, or how she likes to call it – ‘Entrepreneur of Sustainability’, is an environmentalist at heart. She, along with the support of her peers, established Brown Living – an eco-friendly shopping website dedicated to sustainable products. Their objective is to support brands and small businesses who design products pertaining to a circular economy.

What’s in store for you?

From clothing to bathroom essentials, hair care, kitchen essentials, home decor, etc, the store provides a myriad range of products. The plus point is, all of these are crafted in such a way that they support the health of our environment.

Brown Living not only provides sustainable choices but also the ones that are vegan, organic, and of course eco-friendly. You can shop guilt-free!

What I find impressive is...

The plastic-free packaging! Isn’t it a bummer when you order an eco-product only to find it in a bubble wrap, and the packaging sealed with a plastic tape?

via GIPHY

For years, packaging and the use of plastic have gone hand in hand. We all have witnessed and performed this practice. And this is something that deserves a better alternative.

Understanding this issue and to stay in tune with the promise of plastic-free packaging, Brown Living says,

“We require that all shipments to Brown Living and to its customers to come 100% Plastic-Free (that includes bio-based or compostable plastics as well).”

They even use water-activated paper tapes and plant-based glue to seal the overall package. Hence, plastic-free.

Brown Living’s work ethic is in alignment with the UN’s Goals for Sustainable Development while supporting afforestation, slow and mindful living, fair trade and ethical sourcing, and more green ethics.

The Brown Lens

With an intend to avoid greenwashing, the team studies the framework and application of the sustainable products they feature. Before showcasing a particular product, the Brown Lens ethic is used to determine how it’s made, the source of materials, the environmental impact, and the functionality.

Thus, if you wish to save yourself from getting greenwashed, Brown Living is here for you!

Conclusion

Brown living is a safe place for you to pin your faith and make a green investment.

Here’s an easy tip to save yourself from getting Greenwashed:

Check for legitimacy, certifications. Look for testimonials, an elite media coverage, multiple reviews. This will help you to better understand the product and the brand manufacturing it. Don’t fall for the description as soon as you read it.

Something we as consumers should take care of:

No matter how much a brand or a community extends a contribution in living green, we as consumers, too, should take responsibility. Even if it’s a sustainable product, ask yourself a question – Do I really need it? Shop for necessity rather than for luxury.

Be mindful. Be conscious.

Comment down below and tell me if you are aware of any such green community 🙂

How to Live a Sustainable Lifestyle

1 Comment / By Sharayu Mishal

What do You Understand by the Word – Sustainability? Or a Sustainable Lifestyle?

For me, these terms define 2 things:

To practice measures that are earth-friendly and
to make use of long-lasting products that have the least environmental impact.

Today, most of us have become educated enough to understand the human effect on our planet. Our current lifestyle and the source of economy is more linear than circular.

To put it in simple words, our actions are harming the environment. We are aware of the problems and also the solutions, but we lack the urge to do something about it.

Having said that, breaking a habit and adopting a new way of life is not easy. You need to commit. You need to understand the importance of why should you do it. If you care for the resources and expect them to sustain, these are enough reasons to take action. The fact that you are reading this article, says a lot in itself.

If you wish to contribute to make our world a better place to live in, here’s what you need to do: Adopt an ethically Sustainable Lifestyle.

There are plenty of ways to make green efforts for the betterment of our planet. I want to discuss just them. And to provide you a genuine set of methods, I asked a few of my friends to help me out. I asked them about their sustainable practices, and the following is a compilation of their responses.

You may find some suggestions basic, while some may be extreme. Try to incorporate the ones you can. If you find something repeated, then maybe it is important and worth considering.

Response #1:

Manage your Basic Waste Disposal - Suvin Mayekar

“Adopting a sustainable lifestyle, I guess is a much-needed solution today. The execution is not easy though; we cannot start big. We have to start small from the bottom and work ourselves up. So for the problem at hand, this start should begin with you. And to do so, you need to feel the urge, the importance of it. Then, you may plan out how to make your household earth-friendly.

You can start by managing waste. Here’s how you can maintain a sustainable workflow:

Do not litter (basic!)
discard waste the right way by segregating garbage into dry and wet wastes,
discard the sanitary waste separately in a paper bag,
limit the use of non-biodegradable, use-and-throw products/practices, and
promote and educate others.

Following the above simple guidelines, one can achieve a green routine. And, if every citizen is responsible enough, a sustainable lifestyle Take one step at a time.”

Response #2:

Say No to Fast Fashion - Sakshi Vichare

“Instead of falling for the brands who produce fast fashion, try to stitch your clothes with the help of a tailor. This can help curb the pollution caused by textile waste – a major contributor to landfills.

Fast fashion promotes the use of cheap fabric that does not last long, and thus creates more fabric waste. A lot of freshwaters are also polluted due to textile treatments and dyeing. Moreover, most of the time, the craftsmen work in unethical environments and do not get their due. While these are only a few factors influencing textile waste, there are ways in which we can tackle it.

Start by making small changes. Contribute towards a circular economy, and ultimately to sustainability.

Learn the advantages you get when you choose to stitch your clothes,

You select the fabric of your choice – which is of good quality, durable, and will last for years and years to come.
You know the background of your local tailor which will assure you of the ethical workplace.
You can customize your clothes the way you want. The clothes we buy most of the time have some or the other issue in the fitting. Here, you can get the perfect fit.
You get a variety of options in the patterns and designs of your choice. Think about the various possible outcomes you can have!

The fashion industry is the 2nd most polluting field. We can control this waste by opting for stitched clothes and avoiding fast fashion. Your small effort in practicing a sustainable lifestyle will be of great help.”

Response #3:

When I asked my friend, Ruta Pendse, she came up with 5 helpful ways to go green and I could not be more thankful.

"1. Veganism

Animal-based products account for about 60% of Agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. So we can prevent climate change by going vegan which in turn also contributes to animal welfare. Thus, try to follow veganism and vegan diets as much as possible.

2. Waste and Composting

Manage your in-house biodegradable scraps by creating a mini compost. You can also grow your vegetables or herbs on a small scale in your apartment if possible. Buy local produce as much as you can. By reducing the use of processed and packaged foods, you can have a sustainable lifestyle. And even if you happen to buy them, throw the trash mindfully in recycling/waste bins.
Practice waste segregation. Ensure proper disposal of sanitary waste and try switching to biodegradable sanitary napkins or menstrual cups. Regular pads contain plastic which takes around 500-800 years to decompose. Whereas, compostable pads take around 5-6 months.

3. Prevention

Use Public transport when you can. Try to live a minimalistic lifestyle by buying and using only what is needed. Recycle or donate extras to charity.

4. Clothing Waste

About 70% of clothing waste ends up in the landfill. So buy limited, necessary clothing, and donate what you don’t wear to charity or people who can repurpose it.

5. Try to Upcycle

Craft best-out-of-waste. Turn your old garments into aprons, cloth wipes, scrunchies, etc. Or, use the single-use plastic bottles for mini plantations. The famous ‘5 min Crafts’ handle on Instagram will show you amazing hacks.

These are 5 of the many ways to practice sustainability. Start small. You need to commit and not make excuses. Earth is ours to protect.”

Response #4:

Practicing sustainability is no doubt a profitable solution. But awareness for the same still lacks while building a foundation. And by foundation, I mean our education. Here’s what my friend, Raj Kodare has to say about it:

“’Explain in brief about Pollution’ to ‘Use of green Technology in Chemical Industry’ in my undergraduate days, the education system made sure to have one environmental subject. This is to make students aware and to educate on how to deal with the problems related. But has it served the purpose? Or do we take the subject for granted, and answer “EVS hai re, woh toh aata hi hai!” (It’s environmental studies! It’s easy). We do, don’t we?

This proves that our academic assignments do not drive us to work for nature. And unless one feels the ‘need’ to do so, he/she will most probably not contribute. This may be because our education system has always kept EVS a secondary subject when it deserves to be mainstream education.

It’s high time we realize the upcoming crisis and begin to work on an individual level. We should not care about the certificates or tax exemptions from social activities. Let us do our part, not for the sake of it, but because it needs to be done!”

My personal advice:

Lead by Example

My friends have pointed out some great ways in guiding you to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. However, only learning and educating others is not enough. You need to present yourself as an example so that you can inspire your peers the right way and not be a hypocrite.

Show your concerns. Use your resources to promote your beliefs, and join hands in reducing the human impact.

Our environment, the natural resources, deserve better. Take a step in making that happen.

Let me know if this helped you.

Also, comment down below how you practice sustainability.

10+ Best Sustainable Fashion Brands in India

2 Comments / By Sharayu Mishal

Sustainable Fashion - A New Trend for the Future Nay, Today!

Did you know that the level of CO2 emitted by textile industries is almost equal to that released by automobile industries?

With changing lifestyles, and seasons, we often find ourselves within new fashion trends. We enjoy incorporating the latest trends into our style statement, because why not?

But, what do you do when the outfits are not trendy anymore, or more naturally when you grow out of them? In Desi families, clothes usually get passed on to our younger siblings, which is a good option. Unfortunately, this is not always the case as most of the fabric waste often gets trashed. Fashion industries themselves contribute a lot to this pollution. Which is why today we are in dire need of sustainable fashion choices.

With fast fashion trends, sustainable clothing (slow fashion) is yet to gain popularity. However, we do have quite a few homegrown sustainable fashion brands in India. And to your aid, Ecopurple has curated a list of a few of the many brands crafting green fashion. Let’s take a look, shall we?

Please note that the following list is in no particular order of preference; the idea is to promote and acknowledge their work.

1. Adah

Adah, founded by Leesha Agarwal, a conscious earthling cum a talented fashion designer, is an ethical, zero waste, and a handloom fashion brand. It is a fashion house that truly loves their fabrics, the makers, and the colorful dyes that make it beautiful.

On experiencing the aftermath of fast fashion firsthand, Leesha decided to make a difference and so, led to the foundation of Adah. Here’s everything that is good about this sustainable fashion brand:

The team sources each piece of fabric directly from the hardworking weavers, not allowing any middlemen to participate. This helps in ensuring that the weavers are paid what they deserves.
The environmental quotient is taken care of by repurposing/ recycling/ and upcycling all kinds of fabric scraps into diaries, wallets, scrunchies, headbands, earrings, etc. The tags, too, are made using recycled tetra packs, adding to their concern for the environment. Adah also refrains from the use of plastic.
The skilled tailors, who craft the elegant garments for Adah, are given their rightful credits. You will get to know who made your outfit, a wonderful way to honour the efforts of the maker and also empower them.

For both and women, Adah is one of the affordable fashion brands out there. One must check-out their outfits as they’re not only aesthetic but also sustainably made.

2. SUI

This women’s fashion brand from New Delhi, found by Mahima Gujral, is on its way to help pave the way for green clothing.

Sui crafts conscious apparels and accessories, such the environmental impact is low. How?

They prefer working with durable and anti-bacterial fabrics such as hemp. Use Organic cotton that is GOTS certified, and other sustainable materials.

Nowadays, about 60% of fabric fibers are synthetics made from fossil fuels; this makes it hard to decay. Hence, the choice of raw material matters.

Sui uses herbal dyes to pigment their clothing; and recycles the wastewater in the process.
The team makes use of recycled packaging and upcycles the leftover fabric waste as well.
Following a sustainable work ethic, SUI also partners with the NGO – Women Weave. The women in this NGO contribute to the weaving of handspun home fabrics. They practice conscious activities that need less to no electricity. Thus, save energy.

3. DOODLAGE

The brainchild of Kriti Tula – Doodlage is a recognized eco-fashion house set in New Delhi. The brand creates fashion outfits and accessories by recycling and upcycling fabric trash. The toxic after-effects of the fashion industry led to the foundation of Doodlage.

Doodlage collects surplus of defective or stained fabric scraps from textile manufacturers. They even collect the leftover apparel scraps from the garment factories.

From the fabric waste of their own, they create wallets; laptop bags; accessories; and notebooks.
Ditching the plastic, they recycle the fabric waste into paper for their packagings.

Needless to say, Doodlage is doing its best to achieve zero waste production. And by all the efforts that they’re making, the team is bound to succeed.Moreover, Doodlage also presented their collection in the Lakme fashion week of 2019.

You know they’re good when even Lakme supports them.

4. NO NASTIES

Vegan gang, this one’s for you! Based in Goa, No Nasties has been in the business since 2011, creating outfits for men, women, and kids. They design outfits made out of fair trade, organic, and vegan raw materials.

GOTS ✔️

Peta ✔️

Fair Trade ✔️

Impressive right? But wait, there’s more. To add to their green efforts, No Nasties offers plastic-free packaging. The team makes use of drawstring bags and recycled cardboard boxes instead. The effort doesn’t end here. With the “Buy One – Get Tree” program, No Nasties has been planting trees to negate their carbon emissions. You make a purchase and the team plants a tree, as simple as that! Thus, it’s safe to say that No Nasties is one cohesive sustainable fashion brand.

5. RENGE

Renge is a sustainable fashion brand that offers beautiful clothing options for women. Found by Sheena Uppal, they create conscious apparels keeping the fashion quotient intact.

What makes Renge an ethical brand?

They use a surplus of fabrics from factories that follow strict social and environmental standards.
The artisans dye fabrics in Creative Dyeing & Printing, which is Oeko-Tex certified.
The team works in tune with Hemla Embroidery, which is Sedex certified.
Both factories are within a 3km radius, this reduces carbon emission due to logistics.
Also, a part of their factory runs on solar energy!

While creating sustainable fashion, Renge also extends support for other critical issues. Learn more by clicking here.

6. BASICLLY

Basiclly is yet another option to make a sustainable fashion choice for women. Their mantra? ‘Comfort, Ease and Familiarity’ while practicing Fair Trade.

Located in Noida, Basiclly is a fellow supporter of slow fashion. The brand crafts livable clothing to make them durable and long-lasting.
The team makes use of 100% organic fabrics with reusing and upcycling the fabric scraps. This way, they avoid the use of synthetic materials.
Basiclly makes sure to have their fabric manufactures and the production factories close. Thus, minimizing the environmental impact therein.

7. SPARROW

Sparrow was born with an aim to provide sustainable clothing at affordable prices. The team believes and contributes to a circular model of fashion.

Craftsmen at Sparrow stitch outfits using breathable fabrics sourced from ethical resources. From designing sustainable clothing to plastic-free packaging, deliberate conscious efforts are being made.

“To bridge the gap between consumers and sustainability, we strive to bring you ethical garments in affordable prices. So that your online shopping takes a conscious step towards the environment.”

8. UPASANA

This team led by Uma Prajapati works with the traditional technique of Handlooms. Upasana takes absolute pride in crafting fabrics through this concept that helps save electricity

As opposed to the artificial dyes, the team works with natural ones. Such as, Natural Indigo, native minerals, and herbs like Sandalwood and Tulsi.
To make the garments safe to the skin, Upasana infuses the same herbs with organic cotton. The medicinal properties of these herbs help provide a sense of healing to the wearer.

“Our mission is to create conscious sustainable fashion where we are taking care of our environmental cost and not passing it on to the future.”

Upasana’s work is here for you to choose a sustainable fashion alternative.

9. B LABEL

Belonging to the slow fashion tribe, B Label, powered by Boheco, takes a green route to fashion. Their star fabric? Hemp.

This sustainable fashion brand spuns Hemp into a variety of quality outfits. Why Hemp? Because,

It is Carbon negative
It repels UV rays
It resists mold and mildew
Is one of the strongest fabrics
Hemp is Anti-bacterial
It can grow with less water, etc

What more reasons do we need? B Label is one to pin our faith for a responsible fashion brand.

10. NICOBAR

Nicobar, too, belongs to the slow fashion bandwagon. Their philosophy is to make products that are: long lasting, not trend-driven, inspired by natural materials, and influenced by the culture we grew up in.

The above collage is only a gist of what Nicobar has to offer.

Apart from their products, the most exciting one is their option for customers to Gift Trees. Nicobar has partnered with the “Grow Trees Foundation.” With this, a customer can choose to plant a tree in the name of his/her gift recipient. They plant the trees in the Sundarbans of West Bengal to protect the habitat of our Royal Bengal Tiger.

Thanks to Nicobar, now I know what to gift my loved ones!

11. RIMAGINED

Rimagined is an ethical brand from Bengaluru producing sustainable fashion and upcycled products. They manufacture products right from sarees to furniture. Understanding the increasing garbage crisis, Shailaja Rangarajan led to the establishment of Rimagined.

The team works with both pre and post-consumer waste.
They craft their sarees from the pre-consumer cotton yarn waste. This is the leftover yarn during and after the weaving. They weave this yarn in the traditional Charkhas and then dye it with beautiful colors.
Rimagined also works with denim, wood, glass and rubber waste. They’re upcycled into furniture, bedsheets, decors, and other accessories.

Their aim is to divert waste from the landfills into a sustainable and valuable object of use. And they achieve this by working hand in hand with handloom weavers and tribal artisans.

CONCLUSION

These are a few of the many sustainable fashion brands in India who are working to maintain a circular economy.
Fashion waste is mainstream pollution. With a growing maturity and awareness, one has to consider ways in which he/she can limit their impact. We need to control our unnecessary contribution to the landfills.
Yet, if you happen to buy something that belongs to fast fashion, make sure you find a way to repurpose. One sustainable action goes a long way.

YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS

According to a report by the Financial Express,

It can take 2,700 litres of water to produce the cotton needed to make a single T-Shirt. As per World Resources Institute, 5.9 trillion litres of water are used each year for fabric dyeing alone.
Around 20% of industrial water pollution in the world comes from textiles. Also, about 8,000 synthetic chemicals are used to turn raw materials into textile.
As per another report, about one garbage truck of textiles is either burnt or landfilled. This happens about every second!

A Guide to Conscious Trekking

2 Comments / By Sharayu Mishal

Learn How to be a Responsible Trekker

Since 2019, I have grown a huge interest in trekking. If you too are a fellow trekking enthusiast, high-five! But if you are not into treks, I strongly recommend you give it a try.

To trek is to explore nature in a much more lively manner. And the best season to do that is monsoon. Be it in the Sahyadris, or the Himalayas, the luscious green meadows, the generous meet and greets with waterfalls, the sweet smell of mud wafting around after a slight drizzle of rain, and the beautiful scenery observed from the top of mountains, fill the chest of pleasures with tranquility. To be honest, any season is a trekking season!

However, many a time, this pleasureful rendezvous with nature doesn’t feel special when you happen to come across..

With trekking gaining popularity, an increasing number of people are trailing within the natural hot spots. And there is absolutely nothing wrong in it, as long as one chooses not to leave behind traces. Don’t you agree?

So, how can one be careful? How can you and I be conscious in regards to not leaving behind such footprints when on a trek?

The solutions are simple. One has to responsibly manage his waste by following the principle of ‘ Leave No Trace.’

And today, to help you inspire and be conscious, I want to highlight the green efforts of one of India’s top trekking communities – Indiahikes.

In June 2019, I had an opportunity to go for a Himalayan trek with this team. It was then when I was first introduced to their concept, “Green Trails.”

What is Green Trails?

Green trails an initiative put forth by Indiahikes to clean and maintain the beauty of the Himalayas. Their objective is to reform the world of trekking in an eco-friendly and sustainable way to reduce the environmental impact.

How do they do it?

1. Eco-Bags

Before beginning with the trek, the trekkers are handed with an eco-bag (the one tied to my waist).

The purpose of this bag is to collect litter encountered along the trail. And it is strictly for the trash found in the mountains.

With the “take your trash back” policy, Indiahikes makes it clear that every trekker has to take their waste back with them, a rule we all should anyway follow.

Around 6000 Kg of waste is collected every year from the Himalayas, which is a lot!

2. Segregation

At each successive campsite, all the collected litter in the eco-bags get segregated into wastes that can go for recycling/upcycling, composting, and non-recycling waste.

The goal to minimize the amount of waste going into the landfill forms the cornerstone of the Green Trails.

3. Dry Toilets

Did you know that human poop takes around one year to decompose?

Also, did you know that an average human produces around 500 g of poop every day? That means in 7 days, one trekker produces around 3.5 kilos of poop. A batch of 18 trekkers, in 7 days, produces 63 kilos of poop.

These numbers matter, especially when a group goes for a week-long trek. Pooping in the wilderness has its drawbacks as it can pollute the groundwater that flows into nearby rivers, or can even pass harmful bacteria from humans to the animals. Therefore, poop decomposition is crucial.

Luckily, Indiahikes has managed to find a way to reduce this impact by building Dry Toilets at each campsite. These are toilet tents with a deep pit, and two sacks – one with sawdust/cocopeat (powdered coconut husk) and the other with mud.

All you have to do is, and I’m saying this from experience,

Squat over the pit,
do your business, use the toilet paper, and throw it in the pit;
Finally, cover everything with cocopeat and mud.

Why cocopeat?

Because it soaks up the moisture content and fastens the decomposition process, this makes the poop degrade within 6-8 months.

As water slows down the degradation, these dry toilets prove to be useful.

Now I know that for a regular one-day trek, you might not make the effort to carry along cocopeat. However, what you can do is find a spot at least 200 meters away from the campsite or the water stream, dig up a pit, excrete and cover it up. This way, you can ensure less impact on the groundwater and also maintain the overall hygiene of the surrounding.

4. Workshops and Awareness Programs

Villages in the remotest of places, do not have municipal corporations to take care of the waste therein; this triggers the local people to dig up a giant pit, fill it with their garbage, and burn the entire thing. As a result, this process does nothing but simply piles up pollution levels.

With Green trails, Indiahikes organizes workshops to address the issue and help create awareness among the villagers, promoting the idea of segregation.

The team educates and encourages them to engineer upcycled products like eco-bricks. Eco-bricks comprise filling a plastic or glass bottle with non-biodegradable waste materials. These bricks prove to be of excellent use in the construction of local infrastructures.

Another such example is the creation of eco-pillows sold to the trekkers as souvenirs. Local women are encouraged to participate in crafting these upcycled products, and the revenue made is distributed among them.

Conclusion

Such grassroots projects functioning deliberately for the greater good of our society, call for the acknowledgment and support from recognized organizations that can help to achieve the goal with greater efficiency.
Indiahikes is doing their bit to keep their trail as clean as humanly possible. Awareness towards them can itself help change the perspective of us citizens to do our bit to maintain not just the wilderness but the daily surroundings as well.
We should not feel the need for such initiatives to go for a cleanliness drive, even picking up a piece of trash encountered on our way and discarding it into a dustbin can make a difference. Or from now on, let us carry an eco-bag of our own!

Comment down below and let me know what you think.