Organic is the new buzz word these days. Plenty of environmentally conscious folk are today shunning chemical laden products and food items in favour of organic produce.
And there are plenty of businesses and other initiatives springing up to cater to this growing demand. However among these is The Earth Keepers’ Market, an initiative that has been in the forefront of spreading awareness about being closer to nature long before it became the in thing.
“Our purpose is to make people conscious of organic and healthy choices in life and to contribute to protect, conserve and regenerate environment,” says Darryl who initiated this market in 2015 under the banner of World United Goa “ an organisation he founded to work on health, nutrition, environment and self-empowerment since 2012.
Here health conscious people can find organic, chemical free and farm fresh fruits and vegetables while those with a green thumb who wish to grow their own food can choose from seeds, seedlings and saplings.
Other environmentally friendly products available here are chemical-free pest repellents, hemp bags, recycled products made by underprivileged women, quilled products, household cleaning agents, body soaps, mud masks that are made from organic ingredients and can be used without the threat of harm. Herbal teas, massage oils, organic honey and local cottage industry products are obtainable too.
For women who are worried about the impact of sanitary pads on the environment “ there are biodegradable, perfume / chemical free sanitary pads.
Bamboo toothbrushes, combs, soap dishes and paper straws, handmade paper works’ stationery made from cycled material and handmade coconut products like coconut vinegar, gluten-free coconut flour, tender coconut soaps, decorative items and food bowls derived from coconut shells are an added attraction.
And while this weekly market is now quite popular along locals, the going wasn’t easy in the beginning, admits D’Souza as it failed to attract attention in the beginning in an isolated locality in Porvorim. Unperturbed, D’Souza, went on to launch its second edition in three different locations “ the Rejuvenation Center in Candolim, Saraya Ecostay in Sangolda and the International Centre in Dona Paula.
Here it received a better response because of its accessibility to the public. After holding at each of these locations on one Sunday of the month, a year later another venue was added “ Happy Home in Assagao.
The market is now regularly held every Sunday evening at The Rejuvenation Centre in Candolim and at Saraya Ecostay between on the last Sunday of every month.
The vendors and hosts of the market are a bunch of change makers actively striving so that humanity survives and thrives.
“We want people to live more fruitful lives and contribute to the planet. Our market also serves as a networking point for like-minded people to exchange environment-friendly ideas,” shares Darryl, adding that they welcome farmers whose produce is free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Last year, the Good Karma Garage Sale was also introduced in the Earth Keepers’ Market as a reminder that one way of saving the planet is recycling and reusing products too.
“We don’t limit ourselves only to business,” points out Darryl as there are movie screenings of select, thought provoking films and musical programmes too.
There are counters with detox therapies, energy healing and cleansing, angel card divination, flower remedies, healing crystals and acupressure body diagnosis and healing are accessible for those interested in alternative healing methods.
Recently, the market also held ‘Darya Dil Dukan’ which encouraged people to de-clutter their homes and gift away things like books, clothes, jewellery, artifacts or kitchenware.
