Second edition of Green Bazaar in Besant Nagar

The shopping festival seeks to create conscious consumers who know what is right for them, writes K. SARUMATHI

December 06, 2014 03:32 pm | Updated April 07, 2016 03:03 am IST - Chennai:

Healthy alternatives: People can shop for fresh, organic produce at the farmers’ market. Chemical-free skincare products made with fruits and berries and traditional textiles using natural dyes and spices will also be available.

Healthy alternatives: People can shop for fresh, organic produce at the farmers’ market. Chemical-free skincare products made with fruits and berries and traditional textiles using natural dyes and spices will also be available.

Creating consumer awareness, changing consumption practices and involving people in creating a sustainable livelihood are the aims of Green Bazaar, organised by The Alternative, which promotes sustainable lifestyles using the online space. It is organising the Green Bazaar for the second time. And conservation is the theme of this year’s bazaar, being conducted at Besant Nagar.

“It is not about shopping. We don’t want it to be a once-a-year indulgence. Green Bazaar is a continuous effort to create conscious consumers who know what is right for them. The bazaar therefore is not just restricted to food products. From floor cleaners and detergent-free soaps to traditional textiles and kitchen gardening tools, we’ll have everyday essentials,” says Aarti Mohan, organiser.

People can shop for fresh, organic produce at the farmers’ market, which will showcase the work of local farms in and around the city. Also available will be chemical-free skincare products with fruits and berries, traditional textiles using natural dyes and spices.

To learn and practise is reported to be the objective of the Green Bazaar.

The day will be marked by a series of workshops on various subjects, including designing, growing and maintaining a self-sufficient kitchen garden and composting by Priya Gopalen from Magic Bean, a talk on traditional food and plant-based medicine by Dr. Thirunarayanan and an awareness session by The Students Sea Turtle Conservation Network to save the endangered Olive Ridley Turtle.

While adults are busy learning about conservation, kids will be engaged through activities such as nature walks, storytelling sessions, puppetry workshops, choir lessons and more.

The nature walk and talk will be conducted by 15-year-old Vikas Madhav, Sanctuary Magazine’s Young Naturalist of the year 2014. A theatre-based interactive session for teenagers and adults on street harassment will be held by Schools of Equality. There will be a special game corner with traditional games being set up by Kreeda.

World Storytelling Institute will organise a day-long storytelling event, which invites children to share their stories and listen to others.

In keeping with the theme, a drawing competition will be conducted by Pencils Rock on conservation. A photography exhibition and screening of films will also form a part of the event.

The Alternative plans to conduct similar bazaars every three months. Entry fee is Rs. 50 for adults only. Venue: Spaces, 1, Besant Nagar, off Fifth Avenue.

For details, call Aarti Mohan at 098454 98045.

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