Chennai’s first zero-waste grocery store is in Mylapore

A greener way to shop

On a blazing summer afternoon in Ranga Streeta new shop the Ecoindian - Zerowaste Store. The store is the third in the country to turn completely zero-waste, after Ecoposro in Goa and Adrish Zero-waste Organic Store in Pune.  The customers are also given a 5% discount if they bring back the used jars for a refill. The store houses many Chennai-based brands like aba probiotic, Ecofemme, Jyo’s Pickles and Auroway. The duo is planning an awareness drive on June 5, for World Environment Day, about zero-waste lifestyle in association with the Zero-waste Group, Chennai. Contact 8124001177

Vidya Sagar to organise ‘Sunday Bazaar’

Vidya Sagar, an organisation that works with persons with disabilities, is starting a new initiative — ‘The Sunday Bazaar’ — to be held at the driveway of its premises in Kotturpuram, a press release said. The bazaar will be held on February 11 from 10.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for members of the public.

The drive is a space for entrepreneurs and people who want to sell their wares.

The event will be managed and executed by volunteers and friends of Vidya Sagar.

The open space also functions as an accessible, inclusive Kalakkal Cafe on Saturday evening.

24 stalls to be featured

This Sunday will feature 24 stalls with displays of products and food, including art, home decor, plants, clothes and games, among others.

The address of the organisation is Vidya Sagar, No. 1, Ranjith Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai 600085

innipooh basket shop at mamallpuram

All you need in one basket beach shop, Innipooh, at Mamallapuram, stocks baskets and products made of recycled rice bags. Bags, storage and bicycle baskets in various sizes are available. Baskets come in tiny, mini, small, medium and large, with or without handles (handle length can be customised too) as required by the customers. Large bike baskets come with a strong support bracket. The mini can be strapped to the handle and can be used to keep your mobile phone. There are wastepaper baskets (can also be used as an umbrella holder) and tray sets.

In 2014 Trudi hired another local from Mamallapuram. A Thulasi, who is a seamstress, along with Vanitha S, makes useful shopping bags, mats, cushion covers and pouches with recycled rice bags.

“When I came to know that space was available for rent on Othavadai street, I decided to open Innipooh in August 2015, and T Jyothi manages the show over there,” says Edmunds, who markets Innipooh baskets on social media. Edmunds soon started producing many new items — bags, zip cases, cushion covers made with recycled rice sacks, handmade silk/cotton scarves and also beach products. She points out that Innipooh is a not-for-profit organisation, and profits are used to help people. She visits Mamallapuram twice a year. @ Innipooh, 34, Othavadai Street, Mamallapuram , 9790996002

Beyond the temple town

Karaikal roadside bazaar, just outside the premises of the temple, Muslim women shop for aluminium vessels and Muslim traders sell paruthi halwa, made of cotton seeds, a speciality here.  At Nachiarkoil, do not forget to buy the famed brass lamp, and antique artefacts available for a steal.

What the hand creates

The Made in Pondy initiative threw the spotlight on brands that bank on human potential. A potter was the centre of attraction at the Made in Pondy initiative, part of the Pondicherry Heritage Festival. As Ayyappan moulded the clay and turned the wheel, adults and children alike watched open-mouthed. He patiently shaped the wet clay, sprinkled water and patted it gently till he got the desired shape. In less than 10 minutes, the blob of brown clay turned into a vessel one could pour water from, once it was fired. He had been at work since morning — in front of him was lined an array of things he’d created, including lids and vessels to cook from. 

In another stall (LAL Boutique) where you could block-print your own tee or jhola for a fee, people queued up every time someone tried their hand at blockprinting, guided by the resident printer Nazir, who hails from West Bengal. He dabbed the paint on trays stained red, black, green and orange, rubbed it in, and then dipped the block before handing it over to the chosen person. However old you are, the joy of seeing a print come alive on fabric is unparalleled.

At Upasana Design Studio’s stall, people looked lovingly at the Tsunamika dolls, created to provide a livelihood for fisherwomen. This is also a thriving example of a ‘gift economy’ — where valuables are given, not sold, and where the context is building a relationship, not making a transaction.

One thing was clear at Made in Pondy. Hand-made will always continue to draw eye-balls. Hopefully, that will also translate into a commercially-viable option. In the coming weeks, we’ll try and explore the many hand-made charms of Puducherry.

Laboratoires Senteurs

The aroma of jasmine, lavender and lotus hits you as you enter the store. On a warm weekday afternoon, it teems with tourists. Known for its colognes, which come in 20 varieties — Musk for Men, Landor, Natural, Ocean Spray…

Senteurs also makes around 30 non-alcoholic fragrances.

The enterprise began when The Mother decided to get her favourite Friction de Foucaud skin freshener made in Puducherry, instead of importing it. In the last few years, Senteurs has also added other products, such as aloe vera nourishing cream and gels, lip balms and foot creams. The health-conscious can also sample essential oil blends, such as Junisowh (said to aid stiff joints) and Soffrowh (for those with sinus-related issues and insomnia).

@ Laboratoires Senteurs, 5-7 St Gilles Street, White Town

Monday to Saturday, 9 am to noon, 2 pm to 5 pm

USP: Friction de Foucaud skin freshener

From Rs. 58 Call 04132334870