Sustainability- the Indian Way
Sustainable Practices Rooted in Everyday Life
Even before sustainability became a buzzword, it was already a way of life in India. I am from Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India. While terms like sustainability, zero waste, and minimalism might sound new to some, they’re actually a way of life over years. It’s how most of the people live.
My father’s simple sustainable practice:
Let me take you back in time to when my father was ahead of the sustainability trend. Before I started using cloth tote bags, he had already been using a simple cloth bag called “manjappai” for as long as I can remember. Whether it was buying vegetables or carrying important documents, this trusty bag was always by his side. The best part? These bags weren’t even store-bought. Most of them were actually given as gifts during weddings, repurposed to serve a practical purpose in our daily lives. In fact, on special occasions and festivals, this bag became the go-to medium for exchanging all kinds of goodies instead of plastic bags. It’s amazing how something so humble and recycled could become such an integral part of our lives.
Also in most shops here, when you buy something, they give you these big cloth/jute bags called “kattapai” instead of flimsy plastic/paper bags. It’s so much better for the environment! The best thing is that people here actually save these bags for months and reuse them again whenever they need to go shopping. They treasure these bags like something special!
Simple and effective ways to recycle:
I can’t leave out the incredible sustainable practices in my mom’s kitchen. I believe many others do the same. Whenever we make tea, we don’t let the leftover tea powder go to waste. Instead, we sprinkle it on our garden, giving the plants a natural boost. Reusing tea leaves in this way not only helps with drainage but also enhances the structure of the soil. It’s a win-win! This technique isn’t limited to tea waste alone. Most of our biodegradable kitchen scraps find their way into the garden soil, acting as natural manure. It’s a wonderful way to recycle and nourish our plants at the same time. It’s like giving back to nature in the most delightful way!
Zero Waste Delights: From Ridge Gourd to Banana Leaves:
I also want to share a tidbit about zero waste veggies and plants. One remarkable example is the “ridge gourd,” also known as “peerkangai” in Tamil. It’s super easy to grow in your backyard. We peel the skin and use the gourd to prepare delicious curries, but here’s the best part: we never throw away the skin when we peel it! My mom turns it into a mouthwatering chutney, perfect as a dip for dosa and idly. Nothing goes to waste in our kitchen!
The banana tree is also a zero-waste wonder. Its leaves are used to serve food, and its stem, fruit, and flower are all used in cooking. Have you ever been to a South Indian wedding? If you have, you probably noticed — the food is served on banana leaves. It’s a common practice in many weddings and restaurants here. Using banana leaves as plates is much more sustainable and better for the environment compared to other options. Whether it’s a food parcel from a restaurant or a grand wedding feast, you’ll always find those vibrant green banana leaves adding a touch of nature to the dining experience.
The practices I mentioned above may seem simple, but they have the power to bring about significant changes that are beneficial for the environment.
Price of modern sustainability:
It’s important to acknowledge that adopting modern sustainability practices often comes with a cost. For instance, a trendy tote bag may cost upwards of 300 bucks, while my dad has a free alternative in the form of the “manjappai.”
Likewise, organic manure can be costly, but there is a convenient and economical alternative: utilizing kitchen biodegradable waste. By composting items such as fruit and vegetable peels or coffee grounds, individuals can create nutrient-rich compost for their gardening needs.
Going back to roots:
These are just a glimpse of the sustainable practices that exist in my region, but it’s important to recognize that there are countless indigenous practices in cultures all around the world. These practices have been honed over generations, passed down through time, and are deeply rooted in their respective communities.
Instead of blindly embracing expensive sustainable alternatives, perhaps we should take a moment to reflect on our roots and rediscover the local practices that have served us well for generations. There’s wisdom in looking back and embracing the sustainability that is inherent in our cultural heritage. By doing so, we can strike a balance between progress and preserving the sustainable way of life that has been woven into our traditions.
Until next time, Hwa-i-ting! („• ᴗ •„)੭
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