Page 28 - Masala Lite Issue 167 November 2024

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EXPIRATION DATES ARE A SUGGESTION
DRAWERS FULL OF PLASTIC
Food wastage is a big problem in some societies but
Washed takeout containers, old yoghurt cups, extra not in the humble Indian kitchen. Expiration dates are
produce bags taken from the supermarket when merely a recommendation that no one believes in. So
weighing fruits and vegetables…these are not polluting what if the milk smells a bit off? We can always still use
the oceans. They are jumbled in a drawer ready to pack it curdled to make yoghurt or turn it into paneer.
tons of food to give our guests when they come to our
home. SPICED JAM JARS
One day you’re scooping strawberry jam out of a glass
MULTIPURPOSE BISCUIT TINS
An unreformed party girl and mother container, the next day you’re unknowingly spreading
of two, author, editor and observer If you thought you were going to find cookies inside, jeera powder or green curry paste onto your toast. The
Sumati Huber tries to you would be sadly mistaken. Instead, you may unearth versatile jam jar can be repurposed to store a host of
make sense of our unique sewing supplies, old buttons, stationery items, coins, spices and seasonings so you don’t have to run out and
Thai-Indian society and the aunties bangles, and any other objects you could think of. And buy new vessels to keep your ingredients. How’s that for
that she will one day become. why not, as these durable biscuit tins can be reused to saving on consumerism?
hide anything you need safely, so what better place to
stash all your love letters? MAKESHIFT CLEANING ITEMS
Nothing goes in the trash until it has reincarnated into
FRESH FLOWERS many different lives. That old cotton t-shirt full of holes
THE ECO-INDIAN You’ve definitely seen the bags of yellow marigolds will turn into the perfect cleaning rag. Newspapers leave
and red flowers appear daily in your home mandir to windows spotless and also serve as a perfect table cover
put as offerings to the deities. Our extensive use of for when peas are being shelled, beans are trimmed and
n this world of excess everything, the noble Indian naturally-grown resources shows our commitment garlic is peeled. But don’t even think about recycling the
may not always get the credit they deserve for doing to the environment. And the flowers will decompose premium page of this column to clean the mirrors. It
their part to be sustainable. Sure, we may waste eventually when we throw them into the rivers and doesn’t work as well and will look better being put in a
electricity with the many hours we spend under a hair khlongs after we use them, right? golden frame on display in your hallway.
dryer, or pollute the environment by being chauffeured PRESERVING FURNITURE AND SERVEWARE
everywhere by our personal driver. But in other aspects,
we are bending down to touch the Earth’s feet with how Other people may replace their big items the moment
respectful we can be. Consider these examples: they show signs of wear and tear, but not us! We never
even let it get to the point of being tattered, because
WE SAVE PAPER we leave the plastic covers on couches and chairs
indefinitely. Our fancy plates and teapots also stay
But not any old paper! Just the ones that have “A+” or holed away in cabinets and are only gently used to
“100%” written on it. All our good grades and top marks impress important visitors. Everything lasts forever in
from school are saved to remind our parents why they an Indian house!
had us in the first place when we inevitably disappoint
them.

SUSTAINABLY of improvement in the swap events which have been
happening in Bangkok over the years. The more people
STYLISH will be able to see in swap business models.
support it, the more improvement and advancement we

THRIFTING
There are many thrift stores across Bangkok, which
should sell Thai outfits this season. One of my
absolutely favourite skirts, made from Thai fabric,
is from Khru Angoon Garden in Thong Lo. Other
options include Tokyo Joe and Treasure Factory in Sukhumvit
ECO-CHIC VIBES Soi 39. Thrifting is a way of giving used clothes a new life, and
keep as many clothes out of landfills.
BORROWING
Aparna Sharma gives advice on
This is a super easy way to participate sustainably in
sustainable styling and celebrations festival fashion. Ask a friend who has lived in Thailand
this Loy Krathong season. for a long time or is a local who was born and raised
here to help you, either with suggestions, or allowing
you to borrow or rent a dress from their wardrobe. Make
sure to return it with a thank you note and a small gift!
Loy Krathong is one of my favourite Thai festivals, but one factor we have observed RENTING
across big festivals in different countries is that the festivities are often not eco-friendly.
There are many rental shops across Bangkok, including
On the contrary, they can be damaging to the planet. This includes the polyester-
around the Wat Arun area which will have Thai attire.
based fast fashion clothes which are being consumed at a large scale during festival
People usually take pictures wearing Thai costumes
season. Here are a few simple tips to style and celebrate sustainably:
there, so it may be the best place to rent an outfit for
CUSTOM MAKING Loy Krathong.
When I moved to Bangkok 15 years ago, I custom made a beautiful dress from Thai CELEBRATIONS
handloom fabric and continue to use that dress for all Thai occasions since. I’ve added
Let’s remember to celebrate in a eco-friendly way! There are
a few more custom made outfits over the years with fabrics bought from different
many options for krathongs made from organic materials
weaving communities I’ve come across in Northern Thailand, and made by a tailor
(which feed fish and don’t cause water pollution). Many are
in Bangkok. I make them in styles which fit my personal wardrobe: you can opt for a
even floating virtual krathongs from their iPads or phones.
jacket, bralette, trousers, dress, etc. Aside from buying fabric from local communities,
As for lanterns, the ones which are made to biodegrade
you can buy authentic Thai handloom cloth in Chinatown, or check with your tailor
cause less pollution, but this doesn’t solve multiple other
if they can source it for you.
issues associated with lighting lanterns and floating them. If you
SWAPPING want to be eco-friendly, you can avoid floating lanterns physically and
instead just light a candle in a temple or share one floating lantern
Bangkok Recycling Chain recently had a swap event which was advertised as the
between a group of friends instead of floating them individually.
perfect opportunity to find clothes for Loy Krathong or Halloween. Swapping is the
most fun way to socialise with like-minded people and get recommendations. Follow
Fashion Revolution Thailand (Instagram: @fashrev.th) and Bangkok Recycling Aparna Sharma is a non-conformist who believes that fashion must become
Chain (Instagram: @bangkokrecyclingchain) to stay updated on all swap events a force for good and style must meet sustainability. She breaks down the
happening in Bangkok, not just for special occasions! I have seen leaps and bounds nuances of slow fashion and how we can stay stylish without being trendy.
MASAL A LITE ISSUE 167 - NOVEMBER 2024