5 Ways To Stay Organic Yet Trendy This Ganesh Chaturthi

The last few years have seen the movement to ban plastic, artificial colours and environmentally harmful substances gain momentum not just globally but in India as well. This awareness and making a conscious effort to make amends has trickled down to various aspects of the Indian socio-cultural life. From fashion to how we celebrate festivities or even religious functions. Take for example Vinayaka Chaturthi commonly known as Ganesha puja. 2015 onwards there has been major drive to make the eco-friendly celebration around this auspicious day, more mainstream with clay Ganesh, natural colours and so on. So why just stop there. Standing at the threshold of what people across the country know as the festive season in India, Tanya Eldred-Bhat, Fashion Consultant, The Open Trunk, has shared 5 ways you can upgrade your wardrobe to reflect a truly environmentally conscious collection.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics

Image courtesy: The Open Trunk

Besides opting for natural fabrics like Linen, organic cotton, Chanderi and Cashmere (which can be used as a substitute for silk) over synthetic material, today, people have a wide range of natural fabrics to choose from. Our dynamic fashion industry has been working with artisans from different states and cities to ensure they bring to the shelves a plethora of natural fabrics to select from based on the season, trends and to suit individual styles. Using some of the unique natural resources like eucalyptus, bamboo, aloe vera, wood pulp and coffee grounds, India today has a very robust range of natural fabrics that it boasts of. Free from harmful chemicals, these fabrics will keep you cool, comfortable and in style.

Natural Dyes

The process of using natural dyes not only minimises the wastage of water, but also emits less pollutants in the environment. Made from the extracts and remains of fruits and vegetables like pomegranate, cherries, indigo, carrots, beetroots, red cabbage and many more, the outfits manufactured from the natural dyes allows both, the skin as well as the environment to breathe freely! So look for the label at your next purchase to check what the dye is.

Using Recycled & Upcycled Elements

Image courtesy: The Open Trunk

In defining ones look, even the tiniest of elements play a major role in any outfit. One can easily play with these components and use some interesting material like recycled wooded buttons, jute belts and recycled fabric for the straps and outlines instead of plastic. Experiments like these not only support the cause of sustainable fashion,but also enhance ones style statement, sometimes giving rise to a whole new trend.

Jewellery & Accessories

Image courtesy: The Open Trunk

When it comes to accessorising the look, nature offers plenty of natural yet quirky options to select from. From clay/terracotta jewellery, trinkets made of fallen feathers, cut fabric pieces and natural shells and stones to bags and footwear made from jute and other natural and recycled products, there are alternatives galore that lets you make a statement in style while supporting the movement.

Handpick Brands That Support Sustainable Fashion

Brands, designers, have great potential in bringing a change starting with educating their followers. Support labels which go beyond fast fashion, in the age of social media it is not difficult to seek out brands that promote slow fashion, sustainable fashion and ones that are constantly working towards giving recognition to lesser known artisans and their craftsmanship. With the fashion industry positioned as the second largest polluting industry in the world, I strongly feel the world is in dire need of people who believe in the power of sustainable fashion and by bringing the above mentioned ways to action a crisis can be averted.

Recommended Video