As the concept of sustainability becomes increasingly prevalent in our modern world, it is imperative to delve deeper into its meaning and implications. Sustainability goes beyond the mere production, consumption, and disposal of goods. It is a mindset and a way of life that encompasses social, economic, and environmental aspects. However, despite the significant progress made in sustainability, gender disparities continue to hinder its attainment across all pillars of development.
Women make up more than 50% of the world’s population, yet are still underrepresented across industries. Therefore, it is quite natural that women are still minorities in positions related to sustainability actions. Women’s contribution is imperative to combat environmental issues with their valuable insights and decision-making opportunities.
With Taruveda, we wanted to bring about change at the grassroots level with regard to sustainability and women's empowerment. We aimed to take an approach by creating sustainable livelihoods for women in the heartlands of India. By employing more women in various stages of the production process, we aim to empower these women and provide them with better educational opportunities for their children, while also looking after the well-being of their families.
Our journey has been shaped by the rich cultural practices and indigenous wisdom of the communities we work with. When we traveled to India to set up operations, we were inspired by the traditional use of plant-based cutlery by women for generations. In India, using leaves or plates made from leaves is considered a pure and respectful practice, with religious, medicinal, and socio-economic significance. We recognized that cutleries made out of Palash, Sal, and Siali leaves not only possesses inherent benefits such as renewability, biodegradability, and non-toxicity but also align with cultural practices that promote sustainability and reverence for nature.
At Taruveda, we wanted to empower these communities by forming a women-led team throughout the supply chain, in addition to providing fair wages, medical facilities, and educational opportunities for their children. It has been over a year since we started operations, and our all-women staff of over 150 has not only contributed to the company's success but has also brought international visibility to our sustainable products. We take pride in starting small, yet taking a significant stride toward addressing gender disparities and promoting sustainability as a way of life.
Taruveda’s journey exemplifies how sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a holistic approach that encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions. By empowering women and incorporating cultural practices, we are not only creating sustainable products but also fostering a sustainable mindset that can have far-reaching positive impacts on communities and the environment. As we all strive for a more sustainable future, let us remind ourselves that sustainability is not a mere option but a way of being that requires inclusive and mindful actions at all levels of society.
At Taruveda, we take pride in offering a diverse selection of plant-based eco-friendly tableware. We understand the significant role of the food packaging industry in contributing to the global plastic waste crisis, so we are committed to providing sustainable alternatives. Our plant-based products are compostable and versatile enough to suit any occasion, making them the perfect choice for conscious consumers looking to reduce their environmental footprint. We have partnered with Vistaraku, an enterprise that shares our passion for bringing sustainability into everyday life - both with our products and in practice. Together, we have been able to take leaf-based products globally with our joint efforts towards reducing waste and reviving soil health to sustain mother nature. Our partnership with Vistaraku is an important and strategic step towards expanding the usage of plant-based cutleries and making a meaningful impact on the environment.
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