Local sustainability initiatives 4
…whoever said being an eco-warrior couldn’t be stylish?
The theme of upcycling raw materials is also part of Earth5R’s sustainability project of “Dolls” – using cut off materials destined for landfill, to create a beautiful and individual doll that can be made by women and girls in Mumbai slums and sold as a unique product. Not only does this project support and empower women by teaching and honing their existing sewing skills, but provides a sustainable and consistent source of income for the residents of many slums.
India, a country that makes up for 2.4% of the world land, yet it supports 16% of its population. Over the course of the last decade, India’s exceptional growth has seen more employment opportunities and paved the way for millions of its natives to escape the claws of poverty.
However, with every silver lining there is always associated, a cloud. Well, this one is laced with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter of various classifications.
The World Bank conducted a survey on the environments of 178 countries and India was ranked 155 th overall and almost last in air pollution exposure. In addition to this, another survey on the G-20 economies found that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities are found in India.
India, a country that makes up for 2.4% of the world land, yet it supports 16% of its population. Over the course of the last decade, India’s exceptional growth has seen more employment opportunities and paved the way for millions of its natives to escape the claws of poverty.
However, with every silver lining there is always associated, a cloud. Well, this one is laced with carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter of various classifications.
The World Bank conducted a survey on the environments of 178 countries and India was ranked 155 th overall and almost last in air pollution exposure. In addition to this, another survey on the G-20 economies found that 13 of the 20 most polluted cities are found in India.
To regurgitate the classic tagline of environmentalists everywhere –
“Think global, act local” , we all have to start somewhere. And why not make that ‘somewhere’ here.
Want me to start you off? Okay, the weekly Farmers Market in Maharashtra Nature Park, Mumbai. Every Sunday morning from October to March, local farmers and residents from Mumbai congregate at the Farmers Market for a feast of organically grown fruits & veggies for sale.
Farmers Markets are great places to shop organically, as well as meeting like-minded people and contributing directly to your community. To accompany the abundance of goodness and greens, the market also hosts other local treats such as relaxing foot massages, music from the Natural Streets for Performing Arts (NSPA) and workshops for kids.