Eco-friendly Deepavali project to take off in Chennai

Like-minded millennials from several pro-environment brands in the city have come together to create a platform called ‘Alternate to’.

It is an idea, the beginning of a movement that will mark stepping out of the conventional manner of celebration and finding happiness in alternate forms that are exciting, responsible and supports local initiatives, claim organisers.

From second-hand clothes and natural food products to zero-waste lifestyle products and upcycled art, these youngsters are aiming to bring the community together to support this initiative, and tackle the bigger problem at hand.

“With this event, we hope to make new friends, co-brand small local businesses, women entrepreneurs support and uplift each other and promote the idea of second-hand selling thus indirectly promoting reusing, reducing, sharing, swapping, conscious living and a mindful lifestyle,” said a member of the group. 

The project will be launched on October 13 at Schmoozies Ice Creams, which is also part of the initiative. Kshama Adka, who runs the artisanal ice-cream business, said that the idea was born out of a need to come up with alternate gifting solutions for Deepavali. 

“We really want people to be more mindful while celebrating festivals and think of other options. The idea is to promote eco-friendly alternatives. For instance, we serve hand-crafted ice creams without artificial flavours, and we hope people look at that instead of the traditional Deepavali sweets.”

Two’s Company is another brand looking to create awareness at the event with products such as greeting cards made from plantable paper, plant-based personal care products, bamboo and steel straws and toothbrushes, upcycled napkins, cotton tote bags and so on. 

A representative of the company, Veena Balakrishnan, said that this effort that focuses on sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint is just the beginning. “We wish to be totally zero-waste and plastic-free in our endeavours. 

After this first event of ‘Alternate to’, we plan to bring like-minded individuals together quite often and increase awareness in the city.”