As sustainability increasingly drives both demand and supply in the market, brands are experimenting with no-waste, authentic and eco-friendly products for festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Holi. This year, there seems to be a conscious shift towards sustainable Raksha Bandhan bands as well, some of which also contain seeds that can be planted after use.
Sajke, a Vadodara-based sustainable brand that makes handcrafted, contemporary outfits with zero-waste products, has mustard seeds in it. The brand has also come up with a plant-growing kit, containing rakhis, which helps you grow a spinach plant within days. It consists of a biodegradable pot, spinach seeds, coir for mud, and organic fertilizer. The 'Vedic rakhi' also has elements of turmeric, sandalwood, and saffron.
Divya Advani, owner and founder of Sajke, opined: "The aware consumer wants to be a part of the change, he or she wants to contribute in the reduction of carbon footprints and hence his/her decision-making process impacts his/her gifting choices too. Sustainability with a hint of our culture is the reason people opt for it! They feel connected to their roots and are also being sustainable at the same time."
In the same regard, the ETV Bharat team spoke to Mrs. Geetanjali Buty, Joint Secretary Shri Shradhanand Anathalaya, an orphanage based in Nagpur, Maharashtra. She, along with other children in the orphanage have made rakhis with seeds in them and they are selling them at reasonable prices. “During the pandemic, we realized we wanted to do something for our country and hence we have been making sustainable products so that we have a better environment to live in. Raksha Bandhan is a festival of love between brothers and sisters. And so, tying a rakhi will secure their love, but planting a seed will serve as our duty towards our mother earth. In our rakhis, we have put in seeds of fruits and vegetables, which can be easily grown in pots at home.”
Not just this, Geetanjali is also taking care of the future of kids at her orphanage. “Since many kids are unable to attend schools due to the pandemic restrictions and fear, we have involved them in such activities, so that they spend their free time being productive. Such activities also add to their skills, which will be helpful for them in future.”
“The money we receive from selling these handmade rakhis, we deposit them in the bank accounts of our children, especially older girls, so that when they step out of our orphanage to build a career, they can be financially independent enough to survive on their own.”
Therefore, this year, let us celebrate this festival of brotherhood and love in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Preserve your seed rakhi, plant it in a pot and do your bit for the environment.
(Input from Agencies)
Also Read: Changing Trends Of Raksha Bandhan
