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Friday, March 29 2024
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Go zero-waste and organic with ADRISH!

Adrish
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ADRISH supermarket in Bengaluru is receiving much attention with its zero-waste and completely organic products. Initially started in Pune in 2018 and founded by Akshay Agarwal and Gajendra Choudary, ADRISH focused on sustainability and the importance of conservation of nature given the consequences of humankind’s plastic usage.

In an exclusive interview with News Karnataka, the store owner, Manali Saraph (33) explained, “we made an effort to shift from convenient harmful anti-nature lifestyle to eco-friendly zero-waste lifestyle. There had to be many people like us who dearly wanted to ‘Make-the-Switch.’ Still, the unavailability of easy and eco-friendly alternatives was a disappointment and a hurdle in their decision. This rocky journey gave birth to the idea of ADRISH – Zero Waste Organic Store.”

In conversation about the right inspiration for such a move, Manali informed, “our aim to create a sustainable lifestyle was to reduce plastic, and there was no other way to reduce it than to sell it in loose. I am sure youngsters like you would relate after hearing stories about your mother’s and father’s childhood, where they used to buy groceries from the local store in paper bags. This way, we can reduce plastic and also the wastage of food.” The present trend of purchasing plastic packaged items ends up in an increased rate of littering as many are not able to use the things over a period of time. Hence, buying loosely inevitably reduces food wastage as people can buy in small quantities, primarily for immediate consumption or use only.

Challenging times

The owner of ADRISH convenience store disclosed that a lot of research went into grasping the vast and dynamic Bengaluru market to fully realize their vision of zero-waste and plastic-free. Additionally, the store is 100 per cent plastic-free architecturally. Even the interior of the store is entirely plastic-free! It consists of wondrous wood and cane work.

She asserted that it was tricky to design the store completely plastic-free while simultaneously making it authentic and aesthetic. A significant feature that makes ADRISH stand out is that all the groceries are kept loose for the customer to pick the right quantity as per their requirements.

Role of likes and shares

It is safe to say that social media increased the store’s reach, gaining the attention of many social media influencers who are environmentalists, nature lovers, and those who go all organic. Speaking about the same, Manali said, “social media definitely plays a vital role for us. Bengaluru is a huge City. Social media has helped us make our presence known and to gain customers from everywhere in the City. Through this, people who are already practicing a zero-waste lifestyle or who want to make that shift can shop easily from us!”

The premise of the pandemic

The pandemic has elicited its impacts on market flow and stores on various levels. It also proved to be a fruitful period of retrospection and space to try and indulge in healthier options.

“Many who wanted to come with their containers to shop with us were a little hesitant because of the virus, but this increased the usage of paper bags, which we want to reduce as much as possible. Our vision of ‘Refuse, Reuse and Reduce’ is a little difficult in the pandemic. People are much more ready to consume organic post-pandemic. Organic usage is increasing now.”

A message for you

ADRISH endorses healthier, eco-friendly, and organic products that help develop and maintain a sustainable lifestyle, something that all of humanity needs to focus on in such times. Currently, a lot of people are consciously avoiding plastic as much as possible. Manali explained that the zero-waste method promotes a circular flow of material that allows reuse and reduces the need for landfill space.

“About 20 per cent of municipal budgets are spent on waste management. If we produce less waste, budget allocations for its management will reduce. Zero waste generation is key to making a circular economy a reality. So, if you keep doing your part, we can build a world where waste does not exist. So, REFUSE, REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE, AND ROT,” she affirmed.

ADRISH has received much praise and applause for its vision ever since its conception. Pleased customers assure that it’s a perfect place to find a whole range of groceries, personal care, and home care products, all in loose and organic. With such a strong base, the store owner revealed that they wish to expand ADRISH across Bengaluru to enable their customers to engage in zero-waste organic products just in their neighborhood.

To know more, visit: www.adrish.co.in/

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Siri Shekar

The author is a student reporter who is also pursuing Psychology and English Literature. A wanderer searching for faces that inspire an optimistic place about the world, she hunts for different human experiences, not just leads for a story.

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