The problems of life in the city today can be roughly divided into three — waste, water and power. Though this holds true globally, these problems are magnified in Third World countries and specifically in growing tier-two cities. Voluntary organisations, environmentalists and even a few corporates with a conscience are doing their bit towards promoting a sustainable lifestyle. But what really has to be done is to make this green lifestyle accessible to people, believe the founders of a new ‘Green Lifestyle Mall’ that has opened in the city.
Ente Bhoomi , which sprawls over 30 cents opposite the Valanjamblam Temple in Ernakulam, has been set up as a facilitator for a natural way of life. The non-governmental initiative while providing organic solutions to a “materialistic life”, will also offer technical knowhow on growing organic vegetables and waste management. As one of its primary campaigns, Ente Bhoomi plans to adopt Ravipuram ward for its waste-management project. Ward members have already attended a couple of sessions on segregation and turning kitchen waste to manure and they will, in turn, work towards educating the houses and apartments in the area on waste management. Kudumbashree workers, too, would be employed for this purpose. The idea is to bring about a change in the way kitchen waste is dealt with. The residents will be provided with composting and gardening solutions.
C .N. Manoj, director of Ente Bhoomi and founder of Pelican Biotech and Chemical Labs, a company, which works for energy conservation and creating wealth from waste, says the need of the hour is to educate people that living green is not difficult. “There is a general belief that it is not easy to lead a natural life. What we aim to do with Ente Bhoomi is to break that notion,” he says.
The composting unit designed by Pelican Biotech installed at Ente Bhoomi converts organic waste into manure, where plants can be planted directly without adding soil. It does not leave a stench either.
Krishna Das Menon, the managing director of Ente Bhoomi , who spearheaded a successful waste management programme at his apartment on Warriam Road, says though the process of creating awareness was painstakingly long, the results are sweet. A processing unit has been installed in the common area of the apartment and the kitchen waste now yields sacks of manure, which are in great demand. He says, “If apartment complexes and individual houses follow this example, it will help take a huge load off the Corporation and they will only have to deal with plastic and e-waste.”
Apart from educating people about organic alternatives, the green lifestyle mall also offers the space for anyone who wants to promote a natural way of life. The space will also be utilised for yoga classes and seminars. Those interested in pottery or clay modelling too can use the space. A small section of the mall has vegetables, fruits and rice brought from Wayanad. “Farmers following good agricultural methods were identified and we have tied up with them to sell their produce here,” Krishna Das Menon says.
An organic restaurant serving sprouts and salads is set to open on its premises soon. An art gallery that promotes the works of emerging artists is part of the unit. A few works of pottery and crafts carved out of coffee root, are also on display. Rainwater harvesting equipment too will be made available.
The building itself is made from eco-friendly materials such as bamboo and coir.
“We see the space as a culmination of every green initiative. And by involving people in the activities, the message ‘back to Nature’ is sent out,” Manoj adds.
Over the last few years, the city has witnessed a proliferation of stores selling organic produce. From vegetables and fruits to daily provisions and even cosmetics, the ‘organic’ tag catches attention. “It is an expensive option, but an option nevertheless,” says Seema Raghunath, a government employee, who has switched to organic vegetables and fruits. Houses and apartments have started cultivating vegetables in grow bags on their own terrace and kitchen gardens. “All it takes is a little effort initially, once it starts paying off, the results are satisfying,” says Radha S. from Kadavanthra whose kitchen garden yields a steady supply of brinjal, green chillies, tomatoes and ladies finger.
Effort, Manoj sums up, is all that matters: “Just how our malls have brainwashed our young people into a consumeristic way of life, we have to brainwash them into sustainable living.”
