We share this planet, our home, with millions of species. Justice and sustainability both demand that we do not use more resources than we need. - Vandana Shiva
India for many years has always had a certain connection towards nature and natural products and the need to strike a balance between humans and nature. This is now being renewed as more and more people move towards actions and purchases that conserve and preserve the environment.
Some practices that help India keep up with the sustainable trends-
1. Single-use plastic
The credit is due here both to the Govt. Of India and the citizens for following the policy of banning the use of plastic bags. Consumers now bring their own bags when they go shopping or the shops they purchase from, provide bags that are either made out of newspaper or recyclable paper or cloth bags. These alternatives can be reused as many times as necessary or can be used for other purposes.
2. Menstrual cups
Ladies, we all know the ongoing debate on the price of pads and tampons, and how this essential’s price should be reduced or made free. An alternative that many are choosing to look into and shift is the menstrual cup. This product is made of silicone and can be used for a very long time. This product is easy to use and clean. There is zero waste produced while on your periods, unlike when using pads and disposing of them. Most companies that produce these menstrual cups also provide sustainable packaging, thus keeping the whole process sustainable and eco-friendly.
3. Up-cycling clothes
A lot of brands are now looking at up-cycling as a way to consume the waste created by others. Companies like Cornucopia, a Mumbai-based company, take scraps of clothing, leftover buttons and threads, and old t-shirts and turn them into quilts, saris, and kurtas.
4. Bamboo toothbrushes
Brushing our teeth is a part of all our daily routines, the amount of energy and plastic used to create and package the plastic toothbrushes has a lasting impact on the environment. The toothbrush once thrown away ends up in a landfill. An upcoming trend is the use of bamboo toothbrushes. Bamboo is naturally antimicrobial and if disposed of will decompose. Thus this option is both good for the teeth as well as the environment. Companies that promote such toothbrushes are - Bamboo India and Terra.
5. Natural soaps and Shampoo bars
Companies are now creating and catering to individual needs while using natural ingredients. Since some of the chemicals might have side effects on certain skin types, companies are choosing to make different soaps and shampoos that can cater to a wide variety of skin and scalp types. Shampoo bars are now becoming a thing. The company, Switchfix creates shampoo bars that can help in strengthening the hair or keeping the scalp healthy. It is made out of natural products. They also have a zero-waste policy for their packaging. This is a big step as most shampoo’s come in bottles that can only be used once, and once thrown away add to the pre-existing junk that is clogging the planet.
The world and India are taking their own steps towards creating products that shall help give back to the planet after years of taking from it. While such companies exist, it is also due to the consumers and their demands that such changes are being made possible. As consumers, we must point out the wrong that is done to the environment. Then again it is also the need of the hour to think outside the box and come up with new, quirky, and sustainable ways of replacing harmful products.
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