Let us shop zero-waste at Sustainability Market

“More than selling, we are looking forward to meeting people who are interested in sustainability,” says Rekha Ram, founder of Farmer and Co. She is talking about Sustainability Market, and drawing attention to one of its major objectives.

The Market is “set up” every first Sunday, and its thrust areas include organic farming and zero-waste shopping.

The second edition of the Market will be organised on April 1 by Farmer and Co and Conscious Events.

“A few months ago, I decided to introduce the concept of plastic-free packaging to the public once a month. My friends who run various green and organic businesseses came on board. And, Sustainability Market was organised in March 2018.

What to expect

At the first edition, products such as compact reusable cutlery kit, stainless steel feeding bottles and cloth bags stitched by women from Thiruvanmalai, were well-received.

The second edition features an array of additional green alternatives, including sustainable menstruation products such as menstrual cups.

Among the other products to expect are organic groceries, fruits and vegetables with zero plastic packaging, traditional snacks and beverages, natural handmade soaps and homecare products such as natural laundry detergents and floor cleaners, eco-friendly disposables such as cloth fridge bags and bamboo toothbrushes, palm-based products and mud pots. In addition, workshops on sustainable practices and DYI projects for children will be conducted. Special sessions to guide children in setting up green businesses will be the highlight of the event. “Last year, a few students of Class 12 prepared peanut butter and sold it at our shop. Similarly, many children making gift items instead of buying them. They make simple handmade products such as body butter, natural deodorants and handmade soaps. We will guide and mentor such interested candidates,” says Rekha.

In the coming months, the team plans to introduce more innovative and sustainable products such as small collapsible tumblers, source mandarai illai plates, coconut broomsticks and natural-clothing options.

Being a community

Rekha has this to say about the future of this initiative. “This is enabling us to create a sustainability community. We plan to form small groups and a few members of these groups can buy green alternatives in bulk (example: paper towels and cups) distribute among ourselves. This way, we can reduce the amount of plastic we would generate.”