Raksha Bandhan is just around the corner, and it's time to celebrate that special brother-sister bond. According to tradition, your sister only needs to get a rakhi. But, you as a brother, have so many options to choose from, and make sure you get that perfect gift that she is thrilled about.
But, did you know that gifting generates tons of waste, and half of it is discarded to landfills? Cellophane wrappers, plastic ribbons, cling wrap, coated paper, bubble wrap and glittery items are generally not recyclable. These single-use items take thousands of years to degrade.
So, this Rakhi, without compensating on that perfect gift, why not choose sustainable alternatives while you're in Goa? Find hampers that are customisable and plastic-free for your sister, right here!
1. Easy to carry around reusables.
Is your sister new to the sustainable lifestyle, or wants to get started? Get her a pack of steel straws with a cleaning brush, steel cutlery in a cloth pouch, and a bamboo bottle that she can take along with her. She can say no to disposables and save a whole lot of resources. Many other reusables are available and pick up is possible from the store.
Price: Rs 1,000 onwards
Location: Medini Eco Lifestyle, Mapusa
Contact: +91 9834439659
Website: www.medinieco.com
Instagram @Medini_eco_lifestyle
2. Fresh air and lavender aroma
This year, give the gift of unwinding to some purified air and refreshing lavender aroma after a long day. Dracaena, an air purifying indoor plant, wrapped in kokedama style, is made by a mother-daughter duo. This comes along with a lavender-scented candle and wooden gift box by Rickstore in a hamper. It can be picked up or delivered at extra cost.
Price: Rs 750 onwards
Location: Plantisserie, Miramar, Panjim
Contact: +91 88304 97031
Instagram: @plantisserie_goa
3. Fine green teas
Is caffeine your sister's go-to first thing in the morning? Get her some Matcha, which gives a cleaner caffeine high, is the queen of antioxidants and also boosts metabolism. Packed directly in a metal tin, it comes straight from Japan. The assorted tea tin, with tea bags made from cane and beet sugars, packed in biodegradable paper envelopes, is a great choice if she loves green tea or even wants to get started. These fine teas can be added to a gift box along with other items such as a ceramic mug, books and more. It can be picked up at the tea room or chosen online and shipped directly to her.
Price: Rs 800 onwards
Location in Goa: Tea Trunk Tea Room, Fontainhas, Panjim
Contact: +91 9136040027
Website: www.teatrunk.in
Instagram: @teatrunk
4. Natural Vegan Soaps
Soaps are one safe gift as they always come in handy. And even better if they are vegan, natural and come without SLS, Paraben or other harsh chemicals. Get them in variants of Cold Brew, Midnight Romance, Shooting star, Vitamin C, Cedarwood & Pine, Lavender Chamomile, Citrus and Loofa bar; infused with herb oils straight from the Himalayas. Up this hamper by adding a loofah and soap-saver made with nettle thread. Pick up and delivery, are possible.
Price: Rs 1,200 onwards
Location: Himalayan Soap Co, Calangute
Instagram: @wildhimalayansoapco
5. Upcycled and useful decor
Does your sister love to decorate her desk and is likely to go back to the office soon? Then, this tray-full of happiness put together by a sister trio might make the perfect Rakhi gift and give her more reasons to think of you. It includes an applique work wooden tray, recycled pinewood heart coasters with woodburn pattern, wooden handmade spoon by local Goan village women, recycled pinewood engraved mobile stand, ceramic handmade mug and antique brass earrings in a metal box. It is available via delivery.
Price: Rs 1,750 onwards
Location: Ella Craft Studio, Saligao
Contact: +91 8850520896
Instagram: @elacraftsstudiogoa
(Heena Shah is an avid traveller and covers topics such as sustainable travel and lifestyle. Got comments, suggestions? Contact: Explorer.heena@gmail.com)
