The month of love is here and it’s a tradition to express it through different ways. There are always so many locals doing a staycation or tourists coming in to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While many think it's a one-day affair on February 14, there's actually 7 days of Valentine that precede it.
The 7 days include rose day, propose day, chocolate day, teddy day, promise day, hug day and kiss day. The propose day, promise day, hug day and kiss day are quite sustainable and don’t generate any waste. That’s a 100 per cent go green (pun intended).
But the rest of it may come in plastic packaging, wrapped in cellophane, unnecessary cello tapes, bubble wraps, synthetic ribbons and so on. These, if not reused, will find their way to landfills or recycling.
In the case of recycling, a lot of resources like gas for transportation, electricity for the process and so on are used. If these go to landfills, they will stay there forever contributing to greenhouse gases and producing toxic leachates.
So, this Valentine’s Day, pick some slow fashion brands that are made consciously and have stories to tell. Pick something that will be put to use and is meaningful. Pick something that's local and made in Goa.
1. MINIMALISTIC SCARVES & STOLES
India is rich in its culture and heritage. Put that together on fabric and you have it telling tales. This makes a thoughtful and warm gift that can be used umpteen times. This Goa-based brand does exactly that.
Salsette works with artisans and fair trade groups creating classy scarves and stoles for all sexes. They are made of natural fibres like cotton, eri silk and linen which makes them sustainable.
Pick up / Delivery: Both possible.
Price: 1200 INR onwards
Location: Salsette, Moira
Phone number: +91 97020 86006
Instagram: @salsette_collective
2. CROCHET JEWELLERY AND BAGS
Handmade items take longer to make and really show off the effort gone into making them. These are also usually one of a kind as they are hard to be reproduced in the same manner.
Angel makes these unique jewellery, home decor, bags and much more. Basically, she makes it all and adds an extra zing of planet friendliness by making sure the inner lining of cloth is upcycled.
Pick up / Delivery : Both possible.
Price: 100 INR onwards
Location: Angel’s, Candolim
Phone number: +91 96078 48711
Instagram: @handcraftedby.angel
3. UPCYCLED ACCESSORIES
Does your significant other have a shirt that's torn or a dress that's permanently soiled? This is something you gifted them and there's no way they can give it away?
Kula is another Goan label that gives that shirt or dress and gives it another life. You get to be with Kula on this one and decide the final product. They can turn it into bags, laptop sleeves, organiser pouches and much more. If you don't have any unusable items to give away, worry not. They make these from ethically sourced dead stock of fabrics.
Pick up / Delivery: Door-to-door pick-up and delivery.
Price: 699 INR onwards
Location in Goa: Goa
Phone number: +91 73829 92029
Instagram: @kula_studio
4. SPICY OILS
Are you looking to spice up that love life? I mean literally. Imagine breakfast in bed, eggs topped with some flavourful oils or toast topped with the same.
The Masala Master uses the best of local Goan ingredients to make three variants of garlic chilli oil, prawn chilli oil and prawn chilli crisp. They are so versatile, they can be used in Asian and Western cooking apart from Indian too!
Pick up / Delivery: Delivery pan India.
Price: 400 INR onwards
Location: Vasco
Phone number: +91 95951 24999
Website: www.masalamaster.in/
Instagram: @masalamasterco
5. DESI STATIONERY & HOME DECOR
Textales is another Goa-based brand making stationery and home décor items from waste fabric. These are handmade and the fabric is of block and sanganeri print. From spectacles covers to notebooks to tissue boxes, it has got you covered. They are perfect for someone who is setting up a home, heading back to the office but with a new desk or for those on the go.
Pick up / Delivery: Pick up only
Price: 50 INR onwards
Location: Panjim
Phone number: +91 96107 27344
Instagram: @textales_thedesiprintstore
(Heena Shah is an avid traveller and covers topics such as sustainable travel and lifestyle. Got comments, suggestions? Contact: Explorer.heena@gmail.com)