A strong belief in building a healthier community through nourishing food brought together Jas (Jasmine Jagada) and Dita (Nivedita Magar) to create Green Chokrees. The store showcases products that are mostly plant-based, organic, non-GMO, and minimally processed. There are high-quality organic grains (sold loose to discouraging packaging; carry your own bag!), fresh breads, vegan spreads, local cheese and free-range eggs, and also personal care and lifestyle products. Coffee and cookies add to the store’s warm welcome. Open from 11am-5.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Instagram.
Kuva Botanicals
Started by Ayesha Madgavkar, Kuva is proudly local. Kuva was how Goa was once popularly known by foreign traders, and the store’s range of tropical products celebrates the region’s heritage. Coconut oil and kokum butter form the base for most of these earth-friendly and zero-waste skincare products. The products reflect various parts of Madgavkar’s life, from Cocotine, the first soap she made for her mother, to Sangolda Summer, reminiscent of summer holidays she spent with her cousins in the Goan village. Kuva’s natural deodorant balms are their bestsellers. Website.
AtelierOM
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s swadeshi movement and a deep love for Indian textiles, Ondi Mc-Master launched AtelierOM, a brand that creates trendy fusion clothing and accessories that are all handmade. The products are beautiful, functional and mindful: certified organic and fair-trade, naturally dyed and block-printed by hand, and largely upcycled from waste fabric. Website.
New Earth
Founded by Vijaya Pais, the New Earth Gathering brings together multiple sustainable outfits under one roof. Born from her quest for greener alternatives to regular consumer products, Pais launched this market as a one-stop solution that sells non-toxic and biodegradable products. The community market is held every third Sunday in different locations, where people can expect to find fair-trade clothing, vegan salads and desserts, gluten-free breads, organic cosmetics and skincare products, and even workshops woven around sustainable learning. New Earth also holds Good Karma, a garage sale of donated and upcycled clothes and accessories with proceeds towards charity. Instagram.
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