Shopping

Sustainable shopping in Wayanad; Supporting local communities & eco-friendly practices

5 minutes

9th April 2024

Ananya Srijithby Ananya Srijith
An image depicting an eco-friendly choice

Why Sustainable Shopping Matters

Have you ever felt that summer was comparatively hotter this year compared to last year? The only motivation for so many people out there to come to office was to enjoy the AC, right? It seems that there has been very little rain reported in many areas recently. Do you ever think that in any way we are all responsible for what is happening with the planet? Don’t you want your children to experience the natural lifestyle that you enjoyed as a child? Should they be really deprived of the natural things that we had? Isn’t it our responsibility to promote sustainable development in our daily lives? But how can we do that? All you need to do is to think of the items you’ve been using everyday from morning to evening. With that, chances are you will find several other ecological alternatives in the place of what you are already using right now. Therefore, isn’t starting to go eco-friendly, the best way to save our planet?

So, how about some eco-friendly shopping during your trips, in your budgets allocated exclusively for shopping? When you visit Wayanad, a beautiful region in ‘God’s own country’, make sure you follow the state’s commitment to maintaining the abundant greenery there. So, here’s your guide for some sustainable shopping in Wayanad.

Uravu Bamboo Factory and Workshops

Uravu Bamboo Factory, Wayanad

Uravu Bamboo Factory, Wayanad - Courtesy of Photographer

Uravu is a leading organisation that markets the bamboo products handcrafted by local artisans. It includes a diverse selection of environmentally friendly products, from beautifully crafted baskets to elegant home decoration, and is a perfect choice for women who value sustainability. 

Wayanad Social Service Society Handloom Emporium

WSSS Handloom Emporium is famous for its unique handwoven clothing. Women can choose some beautiful sarees, shawls, and dress materials from this place. These products are weaved from traditional weaving practices. These clothes not only protect the traditional heritage culture and heritage of the district but also takes care of the livelihood of local weavers.

The Wayanad Heritage Museum Gift Shop

Some eco-friendly gifts for shopping

Some eco-friendly gifts for shopping - Courtesy of Photographer

This is a gift shop at the premises of the Wayanad Heritage Museum selling a variety of locally made handicrafts and souvenirs. Women have the option of selecting pottery, wood carvings, and hand-painted fabrics, which are all unique and reflect the artistic nature of the region’s people.

Mannam Eco Shop

Eco shop offering some earth friendly options

Eco shop offering some earth friendly options - Courtesy of Photographer

Mannam Eco Shop is a goldmine of eco-friendly items. It has organic spices, honey, handmade soaps, skincare, and many other items that a woman needs to live a zero-waste life. Everything is from local farmers and crafters, which ensures you are supporting fair trade merchants.

Organic Farmers’ Market

Some organic farm produce

Some organic farm produce - Courtesy of Photographer

Every Saturday, Wayanad organises an organic farmers’ market. Women can buy fruits, vegetables, spices, and other produce directly from local farmers. The market is a great opportunity for eco-conscious shoppers to purchase fresh food and support small farmers.

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Wayanad Tea Museum Gift Shop

Wayanad's organic tea

Wayanad's organic tea - Courtesy of Photographer

Everyone who loves tea should visit the gift shop at Wayanad Tea Museum. There, you can purchase various organic teas, including black, green, and herbal teas produced at local plantations. The shop also sells accessories and tea sets, which makes it an excellent place to buy some souvenirs.

Thariode Farm

Fruits and Vegetable Farm

Fruits and Vegetable Farm - Courtesy of Photographer

Thariode Farm is a sustainable farm known for offering farm tours and selling naturally-grown farm produce. You would find the opportunity to see and hear about organic farming and then buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices grown in the farm. The hosts also conduct workshops on sustainable living and gardening.

Vayalada Tribal Women’s Cooperative

Tribes of Kerala

Tribes of Kerala - Courtesy of Photographer

The Vayalada Tribal Women’s Cooperative is a women-run organisation that sells handmade products made by local tribal women from the Vayalada community. Women can pick out the best of tribal jewellery, bamboo products, and other natural fibre products, all of which are a reflection of the tribal culture of Wayanad.