kalakosh

Produzentenbesuch: Coppre

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:37:00 +0000

Unsere schönen Produkte aus Kupfer werden von Kunsthandwerkern in Pune hergestellt. Wir trafen Sudakshina und Chhanda von unserem Partner Coppre am 6. Januar in deren Büro. Coppre wurde 2011 mit dem Ziel gegründet, das traditionelle Kunsthandwerk mit modernem Design zu verbinden und den Kunsthandwerkern dadurch eine nachhaltige Beschäftigung bzw. Entlohnung zu ermöglichen.

Üblicherweise verkaufen die Kunsthandwerker ihre Produkte nach Gewicht, wobei der Fokus auf dem Material und nicht auf der Kunstfertigkeit liegt. Coppre versucht mit dieser Tradition zu brechen und die Kunsthandwerker pro Stück zu bezahlen. Außerdem schlagen sie neue Designs vor, die dem modernen Zeitgeist entsprechen.

Mit der Hilfe von Coppre, starteten die Kunsthandwerker eine Kooperative: die Kunsthandwerker erhalten weiterhin ihre Aufträge von Coppre, teilen die Arbeit aber selbstständig untereinander auf. Coppre gibt 10 % des Umsatzes als Bonus an die Kooperation ab, um Feste wie Diwali auszurichten oder um die Werkstätten zu modernisieren. Sie bieten außerdem Englischunterricht und Kompetenzkurse zur Förderung der Kommunikationsfähigkeit an, so dass die Kunsthandwerker ihre Produkte auf dem Markt besser verkaufen können. Derzeit verdienen die Kunsthandwerker je nach Fähigkeit, in etwa 10000 bis 25000 Rupien pro Monat, was 150 bis 360 Euro entspricht.

Coppre organisiert Führungen für interessierte Besucher. Die Kunsthandwerker bekommen dadurch Aufmerksamkeit und haben die Möglichkeit den Besuchern die alte Tradition des Kupferschmiedens näher zu bringen.

Nach unserem Gespräch im Büro von Coppre, fuhren wir los, um die Kunsthandwerker zu treffen. Alle Kunsthandwerker leben in Tabat Ali. Als wir näher kamen, hörten wir sofort das Geräusch von Hammern, die auf Kupfer schlagen. Tabat Ali ist eine kleine Gemeinde, in der mehrere Familien leben. Sie haben alle eine Werkstatt, in der ein kleiner Schmelzofen steht und es genug Platz zum Bearbeiten der Kupferplatten gibt. Neben der Arbeit für Coppre, stellen die Kunsthandwerker auch Figuren für Tempel und Gebrauchsgegenstände her, die sie auf dem Markt verkaufen.

Wasserboiler aus Kupfer

Kupferhandwerker bei der Arbeit

Kupferhandwerker präsentiert stolz sein Produkt

Hier wohnen ca. 10 Kupferhandwerker mit ihren Familien

Produzentenbesuch: Vishnu aus Chomu

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Fri, 01 May 2015 21:13:00 +0000

Am 30. Dezember besuchten wir zusammen mit unseren Partnern von SETU, eine Kunsthandwerks-Gruppe in Chomu, das etwa 50km von Jaipur entfernt ist. Dort trafen wir Vishnu; er koordiniert eine Gruppe, die Schmuck aus Baumwollgarn und die Troddeln, die wir für einige unserer Taschen nutzen, herstellen.

Vishnus Familie arbeitet seit Generationen in diesem Bereich. Seine Eltern reisen durch ganz Indien und nehmen an Ausstellungen teil, um dort ihre Waren zu verkaufen. Nachdem Vishnu das College abgeschlossen hatte, kehrte er im Gegensatz zu seinen Studienkollegen, die alle in der Stadt auf Arbeitssuche gingen, in sein Heimatdorf zurück, um dort die Familientradition fortzuführen. Zur Zeit arbeiten rund 20 Frauen in der Gemeinschaft, die meisten davon arbeiten von zu Hause aus, nachdem sie ihre Hausarbeit verrichtet haben. Während des Besuches bei Vishnu waren ein paar Frauen, zusammen mit seiner Schwester, bei der Arbeit auf Vishnus Dachterrasse.

Wir besuchten auch den Englischunterricht, den Vishnu mit Hilfe von SETU organisiert. Dort lernen 15 Frauen eineinhalb Stunden pro Tag, wie sie sich auf Englisch verständigen können. Auf dem Weg zurück trafen wir auch eine Frau, die das Nähen in einem anderen Kurs erlernte, der von Vishnu organisiert wurde. Jetzt verdient sie nicht nur ihren Lebensunterhalt durch ihre Nähkunst, sondern bringt auch anderen Frauen das Nähen bei.

Frauen arbeiten auf der Dachterrasse von Vishnu

Vishnu mit seiner Schwester

„Tea time“

Frauen beim Englischunterricht

Ein Abschiedsbild

Produzentenbesuch: Kunsthandwerkerinnen für Applikationen

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:52:00 +0000

SURE (Society to uplift rural economy – Gesellschaft zur Unterstützung der Wirtschaft in ländlichen Gebieten) ist eine NRO, die ihren Sitz im indischen Bundesstaat Rajastan hat. SURE arbeitet mit benachteiligten Gemeinden zusammen, die in entlegenen Gebieten leben und die durch SURE Arbeit vermittelt bekommen. Besonders auf die Beschäftigung von Frauen wird geachtet, damit diese ein nachhaltiges Einkommen erwirtschaften können. Einige unserer handbestickten Taschen und Accessoires werden von Kunsthandwerkerinnen hergestellt, die mit SURE zusammen arbeiten.

Am 27. Dezember besuchten wir die Außenstelle in dem Dorf Bijard, das etwa 50 km von Barmer entfernt ist und nahe an der pakistanischen Grenze liegt. In der Außenstelle werden die Rohstoffe an die Mitarbeiterinnen verteilt, die Qualität der Endprodukte geprüft, sowie nötige Weiterbildungen durchgeführt. Zur Zeit stellen rund 800 bis 900 Frauen die schönen Handwerksprodukte her. Alle Frauen arbeiten von zu Hause aus. Sie kümmern sich hauptsächlich um ihre Kinder und den Haushalt und arbeiten zwischendurch an den Werkstücken.

Im Zentrum trafen wir Jairam Ji, der die Arbeit beaufsichtigt. Eine Frau saß im Freien und arbeitete an Applikationen. Zum Zeitpunkt unseres Besuches, fand auch ein Einführungs-Computerkurs für Jugendliche aus benachbarten Dörfern statt. Die Kurse werden von unserem indischen Partner SETU organisiert und unterstützt.

Später besuchten wir auch noch ein anderes Dorf, in dessen Nähe Frauen mit SETU zusammen arbeiten. Da der Ort sehr abgelegen ist, gibt es keine flächendeckende Stromversorgung. SETU stellt für einige Häuser Licht zu Verfügung, das durch Solarenergie erzeugt wird. So können die Frauen auch arbeiten, wenn es bereits dunkel ist und auch die Kinder können abends noch lernen.

Auf dem Weg von der Außenstelle zurück, legten wir einen Zwischenstopp in einem anderen Dorf ein, wo Frauen mit SURE zusammen arbeiten. An diesem Tag saßen ein paar Frauen im Freien und arbeiteten an Applikationen. Es war sehr schön zu beobachten, wie die Frauen unterschiedlichen Alters (etwa von 20 bis über 70 Jahren) in ihren bunten Kleidern gemeinsam arbeiteten, lachten und sich unterhielten, während die Kinder um sie herum spielten. Für jedes fertige Stück mit Applikationen, verdienen sie ungefähr 150 Rupien, was zwei Euro entspricht. Je nach Fähigkeit, benötigen sie dafür in etwa vier bis fünf Stunden.

Eine Handwerkerin beim Applizieren

Typischer Häuser, in denen die Handwerkerinnen in den Wüstenregionen wohnen

Frauen in einem Dorf arbeiten gemeinsam

Eine 70 jährige Frau bei der Arbeit

Devendra Ji von SETU (links im Bild) mit Jairam Ji vor dem Computer Training Center in Bijrad

Ein Abschiedsbild

Produzentenbesuch : Kunsthandwerker für Stempelruck und Färbe-Technik in Rajasthan

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Fri, 01 May 2015 20:28:00 +0000

Nach über 20 Stunden Fahrt von Delhi nach Barmer, erreichten wir (Nancy, Sandeep und Devendra, von unserem Partner SETU) am 26. Dezember um zwei Uhr nachmittags die Ortschaft. Nachdem wir uns kurz frisch gemacht hatten, machten wir uns zu einem Treffen mit Herr Rana Mal Khatri in dessen Werkstatt auf. Dort werden unsere Bestseller „Eco Shopper“-Einkaufstaschen, unter Einsatz natürlicher Farben, hergestellt.

Herr Khatri´s Familie färbt seit 1730 mit natürlichen Farben. Im Augenblick arbeiten dort ungefähr 30 Menschen, die mit färben, waschen, drucken und nähen beschäftigt sind. Gearbeitet wird von zehn Uhr morgens, bis sechs Uhr abends, an fünf Tagen die Woche, mit einem Urlaubstag im Monat. Die Arbeiter verdienen zwischen 8000 und 12000 Rupien im Monat, was 150 bis 200 Euro entspricht. Alle Mitarbeiter, die in der Stempel-Druck-Abteilung beschäftigt sind, arbeiten dort schon seit mehreren Jahrzehnten. Die Person, die dort am längsten arbeitet, tut dies schon seit 40 Jahren. In dieser Abteilung ist auch ein Gehörloser beschäftigt, der sehr schöne Stempel-Druck-Muster entwirft.

Sechzehn Schritte müssen durchlaufen werden, bis aus dem Baumwollstoff die „Eco Shopper“-Einkaufstasche entstanden ist. Zunächst sind mehre Färbedurchgänge nötig, danach wird der Stoff gewaschen, bedruckt, geschnitten und am Ende zusammengenäht. Die Farben, die zum Färben genutzt werden sind ausschließlich natürlichen Ursprungs.

Es gibt auch ein Recyclingsystem für Wasser, das mit Hilfe unseres indischen Partners SETU installiert wurde und Wasser einspart. Durch das Recyclingsystem kann das benutzte Wasser bis zu fünfzehn mal wieder verwendet werden. Das ist sehr hilfreich, denn das Block-Druck-Verfahren benötigt viel Wasser. Das Wasser, das nicht mehr für das Verfahren geeignet ist, wird dann zum Bewässern der Felder verwendet. So kann die Anlage laut Herr Khatri bis zu fünf Millionen Liter Wasser pro Jahr einsparen.

Fast 20 Stunden Zugfahrt von Delhi nach Barmer (900 km)

Einer der erfahrenen Handwerker für Stempeldruck bei der Arbeit

Achla Ram ist gehörlos und leistet sehr gute Arbeit

Herr Khatri, der Gründer der Werkstatt. Er steht neben dem Behälter für Indigo Farben

Nach der Färbung werden die Stoffe getrocknet

Am Ende werden die Taschen genäht

So sehen die bunten Taschen aus.

Das Wasserrecyclingsystem spart bis zu 5 Millionen Liter Wasser im Jahr

Abschied von Herrn Khatri

Frankfurt - Hauptstadt des Fairen Handels?

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 18:25:00 +0000

Kalakosh's Heimat Frankfurt ist bekannt als Bankenstadt und auch letzten Tagen in Schlagzeilen wegen Blockupy Demonstration, aber Fair Handel und Frankfurt, passen sie zusammen?

Jawohl! Frankfurt ist seit 2011 eine vom ca. 1200 Fair Trade Towns in der Welt. Mehr Information Fair Trade Town Frankfurt.

Aber jetzt wirbt Frankfurt für Hauptstadt des Fairen Handels. Am 10.06.2013 war das "Kick-Off" vom Wettbewerb im Haus am Dom und da haben die Steuerungsgruppe die vorgesehen Projekten vorgestellt. Die Informationen findet ihr u. Hauptstadt des Fairhandels Wettbewerb.

Wir drücken die Daumen für unser Heimat!

Nach zwei Jahren...

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 21:39:00 +0000

Als wir Wellpaper zum ersten Mal in April 2011 besuchten, hatten wir das "Auro" ovaler Korb gekauft. Wir wollten selbst probieren, ob die Qualität tatsächlich stimmt, wie es uns versprochen wurde. Damals haben wir den Korb in Badzimmer für unsere Kosmetik und Haarpflegeartikeln benutzt, um den Korb gegen Feuchtigkiet auch zu prüfen.

Nach zwei Jahren bleibt der Korb noch in unserem Badzimmer - glänzt so grün wie neu. Trotz höher Feuchtigkeit ist der Korb genau so stabil und fest wie vor zwei Jahren. Falls Sie jemals Zweifel an der Qualität hätten, fragen Sie uns - Sie werden die Ergebnisse selbst sehen können.

COPPRE @ HOME

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Sun, 19 May 2013 08:36:00 +0000

Letzten Donnerstag hatten wir einige Freunde zum Abendessen eingeladen und wir haben einen COPPRE Teelichthalter aus Kupfer benutzt... das ist der "Kalika" Teelichhalter (Klein).

Der Abend war schön mit gutem Essen, sehr guten Freunden, und in einer perfekten Ambiente. Inspiriert von dem besonders schönen Teelichthalter machte ich ein paar Amateur-Fotos mit meiner bescheidenen Handy-Kamera... in voller Dunkelheit...:-)

Wir sind in COPPRE verliebt - ♥♥♥ - sind Sie auch?

WIR ♥ COPPRE

Die Sonne scheint von innen... :-)

Sonnenaufgang im Kupfertönen

Rotes Gold

Masala Chai Rezept

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:13:00 +0000

Masala Chai Rezept
Zum Glück gibt es kein "richtiges" Rezept für Chai. Hier ist ein einfaches
Rezept. Am besten nimmt man Fairtrade Gewürze und Zucker und Biomilch!

* Kardamon, 1/4 TL gemalene Kadamonkerne
* Nelken, 4 Stück
* Zimt, 1/4 TL gemalen
* Ingwer, 1/2 TL frisch gehackener oder 1/4 TL Ingwerpulver
* 2 EL Schwarzer Tee
* 3 Tasses Wasser
* 2 Tassen Milch, (Kuh oder Soja)

Gewürze in Topf anrösten. Wasser in Wasserkocher aufheissen.
Tee im Teesieb legen, über Topf halten das warme Wasser langsam darüber
giessen. Milch im Topf giessen und alles warm machen. Umrühren. Nelken ausffischen.
Nach belieben Süssen.
Genieeeeeseeeeeeeen!

Unser schönen Topuntersetzer (hier in Grösse klein und Farbe Blau), hält
die Hitze von Töpfen wunderbar aus! Masala Chai kochen und gleich ausprobieren!

Visiting WELL women

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 15:34:00 +0000

Our beautiful upcycled baskets and coaster are made with love by WELL women. WELL Stands for Women's Empowerment through Local Livelihood.

In 2011, we spent about 10 days with the group and they treated us part of WELL family. In 2012 december, we made a short visit. When we reached the center, they received us with big smiles and hugs. It was like getting back to our own families. Devi, one of the supervisor had birthday that day. She went to temple and came back early as we were visiting.

Nancy with Mary and Devi

We went around and talking to the women and showing kalakosh flyers and catalogue. They were all excited to see the products they make in print.

Since last year, they started one new group to make rolled baskets and coaster out of newspaper.

After spending couple of hours, we left the women group with a promise that next time we will visit them for at least couple of days.

On the way back we stopped at Wellcafe to talk to Danny, founder of Wellpaper. We were happy to hear that they are getting good orders so that the women have enough work. Wellpaper products were nicely displayed at the Cafe including a decorated christmas tree.

Christmas tree decorated with wellpaper products

Visiting our handmade paper artisans in Jaipur

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 22:18:00 +0000

Our beautiful handmade paper products that includes notebooks, gift wrapping papers, gift bags and greetings cards are made with love by artisans at Eco-Friendly Papers (EFP) in Jaipur. We visited them on 5th Dec 2012 to talk to the artisans and see how the products are made.

Nancy and I reached EFP office in Jaipur on 5th December around 10 am. After a quick greetings, we left for sanganer to visit the handmade paper factory. In the factory there are about 25 people working, out of that about 10 are women. The workers earn between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000 per month, depending on the skill and experience. They work from early morning 6 am to afternoon 2 pm. We spoke with one worker who learned the skill from his brother and has been working in the factory for about 4 years. He is very confident and proud of his work. He is also happy to have daily job so that he can take care of his family in the village. EFP is working with factory management to build water recycling unit to make the handmade paper making more sustainable.

Women working at handmade paper factory

Handmade paper factory

Nancy and Vaibav (EFP) with owner of handmade paper factory

In sanganer we also visited screen printing workshop, where our gift wrapping papers are made. It is a small scale unit run by local entrepreneur and there are 6 people working in printing different designs to make beautiful gift wrapping paper. Here the workers earn between Rs. 4000 to Rs. 7000 per month depending on skills and experience.

Screen printing artisans demonstrating the printing process

Gift wrapping paper with screen printed design

In the afternoon, we visited the production unit in Jaipur, where the finishing work on journals is done. There are about 30 people working and the salaries are between Rs. 4000 (house keeping) to Rs. 20,000 (managing director).

We spoke with Sita, who has been working with EFP for more than 6 years. She comes from very traditional family where women wear scarf to cover their head and face. Initially when she started working at EFP, she was very hesitant to talk to strangers. After about 6 years, she manages 6 people who are making embroidery work on journals and coordinates the work with designers. She is very confident now and spoke very openly how she has changed in the last 6 years. She is also happy that by working at EFP, she could take care of her family and send her son to good school in Jaipur.

EFP artisan Sita

We also spoke with Bhavari, leather artisan who makes covers for our leather journals. Before joining EFP, he used to make leather shoes and because of multinational shoe companies they could not sell their traditional handmade leather shoes. At EFP, he uses his skills to make leather journal covers. He also works as interface between EFP and leather artisans in his village. Once the designs are finalised, he takes the raw material and designs to his village and get the leather covers done by the villagers in their homes. With this several women who are staying home to take care of their children can earn additional income. In total there are about 100 families who are working for EFP remotely from their homes.

Bhavari and team of leather artisans

Leather artisas demonstrating design on leather cover

EFP is also providing medical support for the employees and if there are any marriages in family they provide financial support. In all, people working there are happy being part of EFP family and proud of what they are creating.

Product Review : Multipurpose Basket

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:42:00 +0000

Durante mucho tiempo estuve buscando un cesto para ordenar mis set de maquillaje, los cuales siempre estaban en todos lados, menos donde yo los buscaba cuando los necesitaba. Agraciadamente un buen amigo me regalo los cestos ovalados multiusos hechos de papel periodico reciclado de KALAKOSH. Al verlos era como si me hubieran leido el pensamiento, puesto que a mi parecer, estos cestos son muy practicos y sobretodo ecologicos. Gracias a los cestos multiusos no tengo que seguir buscando mi set de maquillaje, ahora todo esta en un lugar y donde yo lo necesito!!!

- Pamela Pizarro

Check more colors of the basket in kalakosh online shop

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I was looking for a basket in order to put in my make-up stuff, because they were all the time in different part of the house and I didn’t find them when I was looking for using them. One day I received the multi-purpose oval basket made from up cycled newspaper from KALAKOSH as a gift and I find them very useful. Now all my Make-up stuff has a place and it is very practical. I don’t need to search for them any more!!! J

- Pamela Pizarro

Check more colors of the basket in kalakosh online shop

Sustainable running choices

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:44:00 +0000

When we started with the idea of kalakosh to create a platform for sustainable life-style products, the discussion turned into how sustainable our life-styles are?

As i had been into running for about an year (My running blog), i started looking into the stuff around running to find out how sustainable it is and what changes i can do to make it more sustainable.

I started with the most important part of running, i.e. shoes. There i found a very interesting and innovative technology developed by Brooks, called BioMogo.

The ideology of brooks to share the technology to other shoe manufacturers to make the the running more sustainable is pretty cool.

To quote Brooks President and CEO Jim Weber on brooks values

“In our quest to make best-in-class performance products for runners, we also affect people and the environment as we process materials, contract with factories, and ship products around the globe. We care about healthy bodies and minds, and our role in fostering an environment where life can thrive for the long run. We are committed to evolving into a business that is more sustainable, one that builds great running gear with minimal impact on humanity and the Earth.”

In Brooks, i found a company which is working consciously to make the running more sustainable. They also talk their principles more openly in all the forums, as a consumer it is very helpful in buying shoes.

PS : I am looking forward to buy my next brooks, Green Silence, which uses 75% recycled materials.

Fair Trade: A Beginner's Guide by Jacqueline DeCarlo

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 19:26:00 +0000

I found this book when we started with the idea of kalakosh and trying to understand the world of fair trade. As such it is a great resource to start with if you are new to fair trade.

This book gives a comprehensive information about all topics related to fair trade. It starts with principles of fair trade and why it is important, continues on to the impact it can make on producer communities highlighted with examples or case studies related to some communities in South America. The author also narrates experiences of some individuals, who started fair trade initiatives - this makes for some very inspirational reading. Also, she touches upon how the latest technologies can take fair trade to a different level by connecting producers to consumers directly and engaging a broader audience.

The book ends with the future of fair trade from the author's perspective. In this context, the author highlights the fact that the fair trade movement is mostly run by the people from the "West" (implies developed countries), who are, in one way or the other, associated with religious organisations. It is now time for a new generation of entrepreneurs coming from different cultural backgrounds to get involved in fair trade businesses.

It is this "call to action" within the book that got us thinking about our own concept, which took the form of kalakosh

We recommend this book to anyone, who is interested in fair trade and would like to know how it works. For this book or other related reading recommendations on fair trade, please check out our book collection under Fair Trade & Sustainability.

Kalakosh decides to party!

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 22:18:00 +0000

On 3rd March, Sandeep was celebrating his birthday party and we made that an occasion to display some of our products amongst our friends. It was a great evening with great people! We received some really positive feedback on our ideas, our products, our website.

Its always good to hear people appreciate the things we've done well, but its even better to get tips and advice on how to do better. Needless to say, we know this is just the start and there is a long way to go and we have a big learning curve ahead of us. But we'll keep marching on.

Last, but not the least, a BIG THANK YOU to:
-- our hosts, Meeta and Sanket, who were very generous and gracious in their hospitality
-- to Maike, for putting together a really cool product display in literally two minutes and for giving a helping hand on quite a few other things
-- to all people for sharing some great moments with us, for the big smiles, and for buying our products, for your encouragement, and your support

Below are some memories from the evening ...some more on our Facebook page! (photo credits: Meeta & Sanket)

Signing off for now,
Paritosh

Our Journal Collection

Our Basket Display - Thank You, Maike!

Talking about the Old School Sketchbook with Yosuke

Kasturi was all smiles today!

... and so were the others! We cherish those the most! Thank you for your support!

Not to forget...the birthday boy! I believe he was the happiest of the lot!

Rural Women Empowerment: My Impressions - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 12:21:00 +0000

After spending a week with WELLpaper's women self help groups near Pondicherry, I travelled to the southern tip of India, Kanyakumari to visit the NGO CHARDEP.

CHARDEP is based in the town Nagercoil, which is about 2o km north of Kanyakumari. It is run by the very dedicated, highly motivated and down-to-earth Mr. Manikandan and his team. They have several following programs which include Annapoorna Yatra, where they provide a daily meal for the homeless in the region. Another program is the HIV/AIDS treatment center, where they have a small clinic to provide regular treatment for HIV infected people. They also have women empowerment programs, which was the my main reason for my visit to Nagercoil.

Currently there are about 1500 self-help groups (SHGs), which are supported/mentored by CHARDEP. CHARDEP makes sure that they get credit from the local bank using their resources as guarantee, they distribute the money and make sure that the money is paid back to the bank in time. All of these self-help groups are coordinated by an outstanding woman Mrs. Mary, who does not have any formal education but knows how to manages about 10,000 men and women from the villages. As a mentor and as a friend, she connects outstandingly well with the women in the SHGs.

The first SHG we visited is in a village reached driving from Kanyakumari to Nagercoil. The women there are making stripes out of palm tree leaves, which are then later used in making hats. It was an amazing sight to see about 15 women sitting under a tree on a sunny day laughing, talking and at the same working on the palm leaves. The working hours there are flexible as the women need to take care of their household chores, thereforce most of the women work about 4 to 6 hours daily. In addition to earning money for their livelihood, they are happy just being part of the group creating something good out of the locally available resources.

Women working under a tree

Stripes made out of palm tree leaves

The next SHG we visited is in another village which is about 10 km from the first village. As the entire region is full of palm trees, the second SHG is also working with palm tree leaves. They get the palm tree leaves, cut them in half and wave them to make a sheet/slab which is used as a construction material for a roof of a hut or a fencing wall. Different in this SHG is the fact that some of the women are entrepreneurs. They lease the palm trees yearly, so that they have the much needed raw material and rest of the byproducts they can sell locally.

The working hours are flexible in in this SHG as well, women work whenever they have time during the day. Some of the women I spoke to are using the income in sending their children to better schools and colleges. One of the woman was very proud that she could send her son to a technical college in nearby town.

Women explaining to us about their work (note palm leave sheets which are used as mats)

Women who was skillfully cutting the palm leave into two (I was astonished to see the precision of her work)

In both the SHGs, I was happy to see that given a chance women can make a great impact in the society and bring the much needed socio-economic transformation in rural india.

Rural Women Empowerment: My Impressions - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (sandeep) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Recently I had the opportunity to visit some women’s self-help groups (SHGs) in India. Which was of course a great experience to see the the impacts of SHGs for women in rural India. Here are some of my notes and experiences from my visit.

Wellpaper:
In our online shop Kalakosh, the beautiful baskets out of old newspapers ("The Hindu"), are handmade by the women SHG of Wellpaper. WELL is the abbreviation of "Women Empowerment through Local Livelihood". Wellpaper was initiated in 2005 as a tsunami-relief effort to provide an alternative source of livelihood to the tsunami affected families in the region as well as to promote products made of recycled materials. Currently there are about 20 women divided into three groups working with Wellpaper. Wellpaper gives the orders to the groups and they also ensure that the groups have work around the year.

The groups act highly autonomously and the women are given the freedom to plan and to divide the production themselves. This include the planning, estimation of raw materials needed, ordering of raw materials and the division of the labour to make sure the products are finished on time. Before the women deliver the products to Wellpaper they then conduct a final quality check to ensure that no defective products are present. Although almost none of the woman have any formal education, their highly impressive product life cycle and their managing of the production is nothing less than a high quality formal production unit to be very proud of!

The women in the groups are treated equally and decisions are taken in a democratic way. Each woman has a role to fulfil and they are proud of creating these unique and beautiful products with their skills! Visiting the women of Wellpaper every day for one week, I was taken in with this place full of these energetic and fun-loving women taking pride in their work.

Unfortunately, during my stay at Wellpaper the very strong Cyclone Thane devastated the entire region causing damages to most of the houses. The day after the cyclone hit the region, I was quite surprised to see that the women were back to work and they were laughing and having fun as usual, even though some of them got their houses damaged. It is very inspiring to see the resilience and the inner strength of these women.

Some visual impressions from my visit:

Aftermath of the cyclone - the damage is visible

Widespread destruction of infrastructure - many were left without electricity for days

Usha with a paper basket in the initial stages

Poorna here is working on the base of a basket

Work being done on paper jewellery

Shagila at work rolling together the newspapers in to thin reeds (seen in the background)

After a week of stay there, I am convinced that SHGs are playing a great role in improving the living conditions in the region through empowering women. Notes from next SHG follows soon...

"First" Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 16:03:00 +0000

Going by the blog, the last month seems to have been very quiet... That is only to say that much has been happening behind the scenes, as we gear up to go live with our online store.

Our first shipments have finally arrived...receiving this "first" shipment is a wondrous moment, if you go by what Sandeep felt when he picked up the consignment... a bit magical. All the ideas, plans, hard work, discussions coming alive ...taking a tangible form and shape... Maybe a few years down the line, it will be just another shipment... But this "first" remains and will remain special.

We've taken our first steps now...but there is a long way to go... Chairevati !!! (as Archana would say!)

Some Thoughts from Reuben Abraham ...

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:30:00 +0000

I stumbled across a couple of interviews with Mr. Reuben Abraham (Executive Director, Center for Emerging Market Solutions). Actually I liked the first one in The Economist and that led me to search for other talks he might have given.

In the interview with The Economist, Mr. Abraham is not saying anything dramatically different than what I have heard before. Defining the interview is his statement - you cannot redistribute poverty; you can only redistribute wealth and business is the only agent capable of doing this. In other words, for-profit organizations, having the right intentions, can do more to end poverty than any other means. Even if you already knew this, it is still worth listening to, since I found it a bit thought-provoking as well, especially his thoughts on entrepreneurship and "three types of entrepreneurs".

In the second one below, Mr. Abraham touches more about education reform, urbanization, and social mobility. The reason I share this with you is mainly on his views on urban migration and how it is beneficial for the migrants. Now, this is one subject I know, where there is no dearth of divergent views. So, listen to him and let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

42.2 km, 03h:23m:34s, EUR 800

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 22:11:00 +0000

42.2 km is the distance Sandeep ran in 03h:23m:34s as part of the BMW Frankfurt Marathon yesterday. Running the marathon is in itself an achievement to be proud of. Sandeep (runner #9803) went beyond that.

He ran the marathon for a cause as part of Team Asha Frankfurt. The cause: primary education for the underprivileged children in India. Specifically, Sandeep ran to raise money for a project in Wazirpur (Delhi) to support a learning center for 80 "at-risk", out-of-school children, which will help them get back to mainstream schools. He has single-handedly raised EUR 800 as part of his one-man fund-raising campaign (Run to Educate), far exceeding his original target of EUR 500.

Photo Credits: Sanket Phadke & Meeta Paranjpe

Along the way, as Sandeep trained for the marathon, he kept passing on "pearls of wisdom" in his blog. Below are two of my favorites:

"Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional" (quoting Haruki Murakami here)
"Fear is an illusion" (as quoted here)

It's a perfect example of choosing to make a positive impact. We are proud of your achievement, Sandeep!.

Keep running!

Arvind Gupta: Turning Trash Into Toys For Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:59:00 +0000

I watched this video a few months ago more in context of learning aids for primary education. Today I remembered it and I look at it through the prism of sustainability and re-usability. Arvind Gupta, the presenter, offers these simple "handmade" toys using readily available items like safety pins and match-sticks as learning aids for children in rural areas. These not only help in understanding basic science concepts, but also are fun, creative, and imaginative. Check out the doodling box for blind children - that's my pick.

Watching this video, I am also asking myself whether this is only about low cost learning aids for kids in rural areas. Wouldn't you take some of these ideas for doing some fun projects with kids around you...bringing art and science together? And a lesson in sustainability too, when the kids see that these toys can be made by re-using potential trash items like paper clips or old newspapers.

Importance of Choice

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:23:00 +0000

Came across this interview with Prof. Peter Singer in the German Retail Blog (of Lebensmittel Zeitung), which I wanted to share with you. Reading it, I felt it was quite a provocative interview - the interviewer trying to challenge Prof. Singer's views on ethics and Prof. Singer, in turn, challenging the audience to think differently.

Reason for highlighting this interview here: there are a couple of thoughts in there I'd like to reproduce here, which also relates to what Kalakosh stands for.

"At the end of the day, you have a choice and can vote with your pocket. That determines what is going to be produced. Producers will only provide such food, if you keep buying it."

Lifestyle is about daily choices we make - some big, some small; some easy, some not so easy. As consumers, we are spoilt for choices - though I feel that we too often forget to exercise those choices consciously or conscientiously. Now, as I learn more and more, I realize what I have missed.

Which brings me to the second thought from the interview:

"I very much doubt whether you will ever be that [a saint], but the important thing is not to say, “Well, I can’t be a saint, so I shall just throw up my hands in despair and won’t bother trying.” Instead, you should say to yourself: “Look, I can improve!”

As consumers, despite the choices we have, it is easy to succumb to our favourite brands or to peer pressure or to the price tag - I am probably the best example of that. But I am learning that we can all make a difference - through any action, big or small. One doesn't need to be a saint.

So, after a bit of a philosophical post, I leave you with your thoughts ... remember, every decision you make counts!

post-script: if you are considering giving up meat as I am at this point, you might also wish to refer to our earlier post on the relative cost of consuming various food products in terms of carbon emissions.

school musing: part II

noreply@blogger.com (Kasturi) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 18:31:00 +0000

as promised, an extended review on the recycled and handmade paper journals, viz. notebooks and writing pads.

the cover of these very unique journals is made from pages of old school-notebooks, while the pages inside are made with regular white handmade paper. the process that gives these a distinct look is the use of tea to give the covers their earthy brown tone. read: totally organic and sustainable and beautiful.

a word on the dimensions - the size of a big sketch book is around 8.5 in. x 11 in. the small size book and journal come in the size 6 in. x 8 in. each. All of them include 48 handmade paper pages respectively.

the book fits the purpose of a savvy yet conscious business professional as well as a university student striving to make a difference. for one and all!

coming soon!

school musing!

noreply@blogger.com (Kasturi) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 20:14:00 +0000

if i knew that out of my old school books something creative would be born, i probably would have handled my notebooks well, and perhaps been a little more attentive?

i was amazed and speechless, when i saw some of the fabulous creations that could be made out of old school notebooks. i am not sure that the little children who give their notebooks away also know that, journals and new notepads actually carry their handwriting on their front cover! what could be cooler than that!

the result: a motley of original writing art. every book unique, every bag different!

want a sneak picture peek? wait for my next post.

signing off for meraTierra,

Recycled Paper Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:16:00 +0000

We've been going through the products samples we have received in the last few days. We are all super excited to see the products first-hand and can't wait to get them to you. That's why we'll be putting out some of the pictures for you to see and get a feel for what kind of products and experiences we're preparing for you.

One of our favourite ones are the recycled paper baskets. Made from old newspapers, the paper is rolled in and then "woven" to create these baskets. In terms of look and feel, they look similar to the cane baskets...just a bit more cooler... :-) The basket will be available in three sizes - small, medium, and large (the one above is the large size).

The basket will be available in colours including red, orange, and blue. There is also a natural (uncoloured as the newspaper itself) version available.The colours used for the basket are essentially non-toxic inks (similar to those used in childrens' comics).

The great thing is that these sturdy baskets are very much multi-purpose - for example, as waste paper bins, or as magazine/newspaper holders (as shown in the picture), or to hold all your craft material - pretty much anything and everything, which is not wet.

What do you think? Let us know...and stay tuned for more product previews.

Official News

noreply@blogger.com (Paritosh) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 20:48:00 +0000

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Two pieces of very good news...

1) mera Tierra is officially registered as mera Tierra GmbH!
Going by the date of the communication from the Amtsgericht, the company was registered on 6th Sept. 2011. (that makes mera Tierra a Virgo!)

2) Kasturi, who is part of the mera Tierra founding team, is now Dr. (des.) Kasturi Dadhe. She has completed her PhD after successfully defending her thesis today. Many hearty congratulations!!! We are happy and proud to have her aboard!

It was a good day today!