JAY JOSHI
We live in times where market plays a key role in influencing the choices of products we choose to consume. And in order to make the products appealing, or for the sake of customer convenience, consumer products are often sold wrapped in attractive packaging material. However, packaging material is thrown away within seconds after purchase of the product, and it becomes a part of the mounting problem of waste that every region in the world including Goa is facing today.
Packaging material typically enters a household when we shop online or sometimes buy branded products from big commercial establishments. Instead, if we shop from local vendors, and carry our own bags, it reduces creation of packaging-material waste. In order to encourage consumers to shop local and avoid creation of such waste, Waste Less Project Goa, Bhoomij heritage, and Soul Travelling, are jointly organising the Mapusa Market Waste Less Quest.
“As a part of this Quest, we will take participants on a tour of Mapusa Market and highlight how they can choose to reduce waste-creation by shopping in local markets and carrying their own bags. The idea of conducting this quest in Mapusa market is to underline that one can use 100% local ingredients to prevent waste-generation.” informs Saritha Sudhakaran, curator of the Waste Less Project. “During the Quest, we will also share with the guests some recipes to replace a number of items, including personal care products such as shampoos with homemade items” says Sudhakaran, observing that consumers often buy such products without much thought, and making these at home could go a long way in reducing waste at source.
Given how there is a battle brewing between online portals and small vendors for consumers, could lack of packaging be a plus point in favour of local businesses? Sudhakaran refuses to comment on this, but states that the online shopping trend has not yet affected Goa to the extent it has spread in big cities around India. “In Goa, there are no big numbers. Also, Goans are still rooted to their local markets. They like visiting local shops and having conversations with the vendors.” The young generation and people moving in from outside might however have a different consumer behaviour, says the Waste Less Project curator.
While organisations such as Waste Less Project work to prevent waste-generation, and government authorities struggle with waste-management, it has been observed that despite much funds and energy going into cleanliness-awareness campaigns, a large number of people continue to littler. “This happens because of two reasons.” says Sudhakaran. “First, there is a need to strengthen the waste-collection mechanism. Waste remains around because it is not picked up. Second, there are no effective penalties and checks in place against littering.” stating that waste collection and management systems today need improvement, the urban designer stresses that Waste Less project focuses only on prevention of waste-generation, and not on management of the waste created.
