The world’s first Zero Waste Heritage Market is to be inaugurated on November 17, 2022, at 4 pm in the sleepy village of Pilerne, Bardez, by Dr PV Sarmokadam, member secretary, Goa Biodiversity Board.
The recently held Matiechem Fest (Festival of the Soil/ Potters), celebrating the soil and the potters of Goa in the village of Pilerne, Bardez, was an attempt to showcase the village’s amazing culture, heritage, music, cuisine, etc. This festival, curated by Goencho Festakar Marius Fernandes, was his 57th in Goa.
Marius has always been a risk taker and worked beyond borders. Hence this market will be accessible, inclusive, ethnic, cross-community and will empower people at the grassroots. He believes that Goans need to go beyond just celebrations and venture into sustainable employment. This market marks an important moment as over twenty families will be empowered to think globally and act locally. As a precursor to the launch of the market on the November 17, a booster market was held on Sunday, November 13, which evoked an excellent response with the Zero Waste initiative being much appreciated.
All the produce and items will be organic and locally sourced. The goal is to go completely Zero Waste by January 1, 2023, on New Year’s Day, which is a powerful message, as tested on Gandhi Jayanti 2022. This can be achieved repeatedly. We must be the change we want to see.
This market will operate every Thursday and will include a crèche, workshops, demos, local musicians, skits, etc. The guests are encouraged to do their bit by bringing their own plates, cups and cutlery. Areca plates can be bought at the venue and ample water will be available for washing up. Climate change and zero waste should not be mere slogans. This market will be the flag bearer for change, says Festakar Marius Fernandes.