Khadi Fabric

 Hi readers! Today, we are teaching you all about an exhibition on Khadi fabric. Read more to find out more!

Story:

There was an exhibition and fashion show Khadi India organised for 'Aheli Khadi' at NIFT Gandhinagar. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's pivotal call has been the core objective of Khadi and Village Industries Commission to position Khadi as a Fashion Fabric.

If you are wondering why we are talking about this in the first place, as our blog is environmentally related:

The spinning of khadi uses no machines or energy and thus has a low carbon footprint. A metre of khadi fabric consumes three litres of water, while one metre of mill-produced fabric requires 55 litres of the precious resource. Plus, khadi clusters also generate direly needed income to rural Indian communities. So, we encourage you to try using this material!

Facts:

1)Khadi has historical and philosophical importance in India. It was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. He started the swadeshi movement to promote khadi fabric to make India self-reliant and independent. Khadi played a vital role in the freedom struggle of India.
2)The cloth is made from cotton, but it may also include silk or wool, which are all spun into yarn on a charkha. It is a versatile fabric that remains cool in summer and warm in winter. To improve its appearance, khadi is sometimes starched to give it a stiffer feel. It is widely accepted in various fashion circles.

Here is an image of Khaki fabric:

Air Ink

 Hi readers! Today, we'll be teaching you about air in. If you don't know what that is, read more!

Meaning: Air ink is air pollution that is being turned into ink. It was first created by Anirudh Sharma, founder of Gravity Labs.

Story:

Anirudh Sharma was at a conference in India when he noticed black particles accumulating on his white shirt. The specks settling on him were from pollution in the surrounding air. By products from burning fossil fuels such as gasoline and coal are causing health problems and climate effects around the world, especially in India's growing cities. In that moment a few years ago, though, he saw the pollution particles as something simpler: A coloring agent.He went back to MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he was a graduate student focused on augmented reality, and began working on an idea to turn carbon pollution into ink. Using candle soot to start, he came up with a prototype. After finishing his master's degree, he went back to India and in 2016 co-founded a collaborative called Graviky Labs to continue working on Air-Ink and other ideas. After some time, They developed a device that can be fitted onto the exhaust pipe of a car or portable generator and collected the soot that forms from burning diesel fuel. By mixing the fine black powder with solvents, they produced ink that then went into bottles and markers.The team at Graviky has produced about 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of ink over the last 12 months. Graviky estimates that 30 milliliters of the ink captures 45 minutes of tailpipe pollution. The team is working to bring down the cost of the products, which also include ink for screen printing. The team at Graviky is also working on pollution sensors that can help people gauge air quality where they live. The staff simply work on concepts they like—projects need to have a social impact and make sense commercially, but income isn't the driving factor. Like the artists they've met, he says, they let passion guide them first.

Here are some images:

Sustainable New Year!

 Hi readers! Happy New Year! Today, we'll be showing you how to have a sustainable new year and New Years eve!

1)Skip the fireworks

Fireworks are another aspect of New Year’s Eve celebrations that have a noticeable environmental impact. The chemicals used to propel and color fireworks are often toxic or carcinogenic.  Large-scale fireworks displays have been shown to impact air quality for days after the celebration itself.

2)Reduce food waste

The best part of any party including a New Year party is the food. But with good food also comes a tonne of food waste. While a party without foodie options doesn’t seem like a good time, this New Year, try to bring some restraint in to your preparations. Help reduce food waste by reducing the number of dishes, pre planning by asking guests for their food preferences and cooking food that works as easy leftovers. Another way to contribute to a greener party is donating excess food to a local charity or food bank that serves the hungry and homeless.

3)Recycle and reuse

This New Year, don’t be tempted by Instagram and Pinterest celebrations and minimize unnecessary decorations. Not only will you save money, your New Year party will also become ten times more green. Reuse decorations from parties past rather than buying expensive, disposable plastic or paper decorations. Use reusable dishes and cutlery instead of plastic, hang long lasting fairy lights instead of paper streamers or plastic decorations and place tasteful real plants around instead of flowers. In our opinion, an eco friendly party can still be a stylish and attractive affair. In fact using natural materials as decor and eco friendly practices will make your celebration stand out and appear more unique.

4) Offer home-made or up cycled gifts

To reduce consumption yet give memorable gifts, you can get creative with gift-giving. You could, for example, skip buying off-the-rack new gifts for your family and friends and make something they’re sure to love, like a home-made batch of cookies. Or source your gifts from companies that up cycle items or use recycled sustainable materials. This way, you’d be promoting a circular economy that focuses on reducing waste and increasing reuse, recycling and recovery of products and materials.  

Hope you enjoyed! Have a sustainable and great New Year!