Page 20 - MASALA LITE ISSUE 91 | APRIL 2018

20 ON THE RADAR Where health comes first

The Last

Straw

Environmental activist Mallika Arya Ayurvedic Products

aims to promote sustainable lifestyle

choices, fighting against plastic in Bangkok

pollution, one straw at a time.

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Ayurved
BY ASHIMA SETHI
Limited’s new products maintain the
Mallika using a reusable bamboo straw
and steel lunchbox commitment to serving people’s wellness.

Plas
Plastic pollution is one of the world’s most pressing issues. Landfi lls have begun tic pollution is one of the world’s most pressing issues. Landfi lls have begun impact of our decisions. Plastic pollution is such a large
to overfl ow with waste, and oceans are swallowed up by millions of microplastics, problem that many believe there is nothing we can do to Patanjali Ayurved, the world’s largest Ayurvedic business
leaving wildlife to suff er the consequences of the choices we have all carelessly stop it. However, if we all take small steps towards driving selling chemical-free herbal products, have rolled out
made. And so, it’s time to take responsibility. The No Straws Attached campaign change, it will happen.
spearheaded by passionate environmentalist Mallika Arya, off ers simple steps to When I took a gap year to travel in 2016, my goal was three new food items.
minimise our pollution footprint. Where better to start than through trouble-free to be a zero-waste traveller. I’ve continued using the same
ways that can make a bigger diff erence than you ever thought would? principles in my daily life. They are as follows:
• I carry a mason jar with me and I use it for coff ee, tea and Mason jar
To what extent has plastic pollution become an smoothies to help me avoid single-use cups and lids.
important issue? • I use a steel container for leftovers and when I buy food,
Plastic pollution is a refl ection of how our in order to avoid takeaway containers.
consumption patterns are aff ecting the • I carry my own cutlery set to avoid single-use
environment, making the issue incredibly important plastic versions.
and demonstrating that a linear system on a fi nite • I use biodegradable pads made from bamboo.
planet is not sustainable. Nowadays, even remote • I use package-free soaps, shampoo bars, and toothpaste
islands are being impacted by waste, so much so powder instead of items that come in bottles or tubes.
that animals are choking to death. Plastic has also • I use fresh aloe vera for my skin, and opt for homemade Steel food containers
been found in drinking water samples, making it an face scrubs instead of anything bottled.
issue we can’t ignore. • When I shop for clothes, I go to second-hand shops and
make sure to take a cloth bag for my purchases, to avoid
What is the No Straws plastic bags.
Attached campaign?
The campaign focuses on two things. It’s aimed at Are you involved in other environmental projects?
spreading awareness among consumers that have I recently completed an internship with the United
the right to say no to single-use plastics, while Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Package-free soaps
also reaching out to restaurants, bars and cafés to and the Pacifi c in Bangkok, where I worked in the environment and development
encourage businesses to stop handing out plastic division assisting with a waste management project. I’m currently doing my Masters
straws. We also advocate for using alternatives like 100 straws in fi ve days from one of Sustainability degree at the University of Sydney, where I’m involved with the Patanjali Besan, a gluten-free product with mullple
reusable steel or bamboo versions. Bangkok street University’s Food Cooperative, a student-led organisation providing students health benefits including lowering cholesterol, controlling
with organic and ethically-produced items. In addition to work with 2041 and the diabetes, and improving immunity.
What inspired you to initiate this campaign? Sustainable Oceans Alliance (SOA), I also work as the Environment and Welfare
The motivation behind it was simple. My friends Offi cer at International House, where I reside.
and I were tired of requesting for drinks without Patanjali Whole Wheat Flour is made from the best
straws, only to still be given straws. We wanted How do you balance activism with other aspects of your life?
to create a movement that encouraged people I don’t see them as separate aspects because I’ve been able to integrate both areas quality wheat, with digeslve benefits for all ages.
to participate until no straws became the norm. into my life successfully. For example, I’m fi nding a part-time job but only choosing
Such campaigns have been successful around to look for responsible cafés and restaurants.
the world but it remains new in Asia. I believe Navratna AAa is a mullgrain and sugar-free flour,
made up of 100% natural and herbal ingredients.
everyone needs to realise the consequences of our How easy is it for someone to alter their made up of 100% n
Night time beach clean-up ‘use and throw’ culture. lifestyle choices to become more eco-
friendly?
How has the campaign grown so far and where would you like to see it in the I believe it’s very doable as you don’t have Patanjali products are available in vacuum packaging
following years? to go zero-waste overnight. The more
We’ve managed to spread the campaign across seven cities in India through a conscious you are about your actions, the with labels in both Thai and English, and will also be available
network of volunteers, friends and family. We’re currently in talks with restaurants more you can change them, which is why
in Thailand and Mexico, so we do want to reach as far and wide as possible. I try to have conversations to motivate at Indian grocery stores near you.
people to pay attention. We might’ve
How do you plan on expanding the campaign’s infl uence? become caught up in our own lives, but I
We’re lucky to live in a world highly connected by social media. This has allowed us think deep down everyone does care.
to spread our message across borders. Koh Samet beach clean-up Address: Indian Emporium (Ground Floor - Outer Zone - Parking Lane)

What other initiatives can we adapt into our lives to limit plastic waste? For more information, visit No. 561 Room C 106, Chakraphek Road, Phahurat, Wangburapha Phranakorn, Bangkok, 10600 Thailand.
Our lives are so focused on convenience that we need to be more aware of the www.mallikaarya.com or www.facebook.com/nostrawsattached
Call 083 198 0111 or 081 726 0290

MAS AL A LITE ISSUE 9 1 APRIL 2 018