The Era of Reusable Packaging
Milk was delivered in exchangeable glass bottles, while products like Amulspray, Dalda, and tooth powder came in metal tins. Toothpaste was stored in metal tubes, and 505 bars of laundry soap, biscuits, and toffees were wrapped in wax paper. Even bathing soap was packed in cardboard boxes, and shampoo was made from locally sourced hibiscus leaves or Rita.
Sustainable Everyday Items
Plastic was almost nonexistent. Wire baskets were durable and lasted for generations, and calendars were repurposed as book covers. Groceries were wrapped in a conical-shaped newspaper secured with jute twine. Metal dabbas were staples in kitchens, and coconut shells were used for heating water and washing vessels.
Homemade and Local Solutions
Powders, pastes, and masalas were prepared at home, while cold-pressed oil came from local ginners in steel containers. Filter coffee powder was packaged in simple brown paper, and seasonal produce, including tamarind and red chillies, was delivered to our doorsteps annually.
A Life of Repair and Creativity
Slippers, umbrellas, and even copper vessels were repaired locally. Cooking was innovative, using vegetable seeds, peels, and scraps. With no refrigerator, leftover food and kitchen waste were turned into a nutritious mix called ಕಲಗಚ್ಚು (Kalagachu) for local cattle, which, in turn, provided cow dung used as manure or for smearing outdoor areas. This resourcefulness is a model we can all adopt in our quest for sustainability.
The Shift to Modern Waste
In the 1990s, as India embraced liberalization and modernization, we saw a shift towards convenience and a rise in plastic use. Once-sustainable practices gave way to a culture of disposability and waste. This transformation, driven by modernization, has burdened our world with garbage and environmental challenges, calling for a collective responsibility to restore sustainable living.
Embracing Sustainability Today
Reflecting on these past practices highlights the importance of returning to sustainable habits. At Metaphor Racha, we honour this legacy by creating eco-friendly, handcrafted products that reduce waste and embrace timeless values. Our commitment to sustainability mirrors the resourcefulness and creativity of those earlier times.
Explore our collection online and join us in the journey towards a more sustainable future. Let’s rediscover the art of mindful living and craft a better world, one handmade item at a time.
