Bengaluru: Sustainability is no longer a choice, but a necessity as the world grapples with consequences of climate change and resource depletion. Bengaluru, known for its innovation and vibrant community spirit, is leading the way in embracing sustainable practices.
From startups promoting circular economies and eco-conscious technologies to architects conserving heritage and artists embracing sustainable materials, a few firms in the city are setting an example for urban resilience and environmental responsibility.
Eco Dhaga collected around 6,800 kilograms of post-consumer textiles recently. The used or discarded clothes were recycled and turned into funky table mats and coasters. “It also enabled us to reduce landfill waste,” said Sanjana Swaroop, founder of Eco Dhaga.
Sanjana was talking about circular economy and what her organisation has been doing in the space at a panel discussion on sustainable designs, moderated by MXR co-founder Madan Mohan Rao at M Cube Spaces here on Saturday. “Fashion industry is one of the largest polluters. We are trying to create awareness on what you can do to improve the environment with your closet itself,” said Sanjana.
Some startups like Reusall are coming up with a software solutions for resuablity. “We are creating an intuitive app and an impact dashboard where you can track your footprint and habits you have been following,” said Shravan Boska, founder of the startup based in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
Masons Ink focuses on three verticles — sustainable construction, heritage conservation and social architecture. Sridevi Changali, co-founder and principal architect, Masons Ink, believes that it is important to extend the life of buildings to achieve the goal of sustainability. “Buildings that were built 100 or 200 years ago are still standing pretty wonderfully today,” she said, adding, one can learn a lot from them.
According to her, there’s definitely been a tangible increase in the number of inquiries on sustainable construction practices. “There are many takers for mud houses nowadays. Whether it’s a trend or whether it’s here to stay, we’ll see in the next 10 years,” she said.
Sustainability is the buzzword in art too. Priyanka Thaker, founder of House of Beserk, an art studio, has been conscious of how they package and send their installations. “We are also trying to work with materials like terracotta that come from the earth,” said Priyanka.