Gound Zero for an eco echo
Sahar Mansoor and Sabira Lakhani are advocating a zero waste lifestyle in the city through innovative projects
By : namita gupta
Update: 2015-09-23 22:58 GMT
Sahar Mansoor is a vibrant force of nature — an entrepreneur, researcher, voracious learner and curious traveller. Having studied in India, Los Angeles and Cambridge, volunteering in Guatemala, Jamaica and Democratic Republic of the Congo on various humanitarian projects, she is doubly certain about the change she wants to bring to the world. Her mind churns constantly with innovative projects. Sahar recently moved back to Bengaluru to work in the environmental policy and renewable energy arena and lead a zero waste lifestyle alongwith her friend Sabira Lakhani. We meet the dynamic duo, both in their early 20s and doing their bit to protect our environment.
After undergraduate studies in environmental planning and masters from University of Cambridge in environmental economics and law, Sahar was always concerned the health and social justice impacts of the waste problem. “It is when I learned about Bea Johnson (who has been living a waste-free with her family since 2008) that I decided to embrace a zero-waste lifestyle. I have produced a 400 gm jar trash in the past five months. Joining me is Sabira, a graduate from the NYU Leonard N. Stern School of Business with a degree in economics and environmental biology. We believe that zero waste is a fascinating approach to living life - it touches so many problems: materialism, consumption, mindfulness, urbanisation, environmental impact, and health impacts,” states the 24-years-old youngster.
“I’m inspired my professors Brain Treanor and Christopher Chapple who exposed me to the world of environmental ethics and philosophy. Another trigger for my zero-waste journey was my experiences a scuba diver, I have seen and studied the harmful impacts of plastic on our oceans and our marine life,” adds Sahar. When Sabira (25) saw garbage littering the streets in India, she decided to focus on using business as a tool to impact our earth. Sabira states, “I moved to Bengaluru this year from New York. We were both part of the Kitsch Mandi on Sunday and had great conversations about waste, environment, and how health impacts our personal care products. I felt like I was in Brooklyn and the people were so receptive to our idea and to participate in making toothpaste with us. We make zero waste toothpaste. Also through Root Bazaar, we teach people about living a zero waste lifestyle. We run workshops and blog on how you could waste less.”
Talking about their other hobbies, Sahar gets candid saying, “I’m passionate about renewable energy and energy access issues when not working at Selco foundation. I love biking, scuba diving, travelling and being with nature” and her friend Sabira adds, “I love yoga, reading, bird watching, and finding the best pizza in Bengaluru.”