What started out as a seemingly flippant experimentation for Bengalurean Varsha Byregowda, is actually creating a buzz off late. Through her debut venture, the young Bengalurean has conjured up a rather interesting commodity: an eco-friendly water-bottle made out of good plastic! While the idea has roused the interests of environmentalists in town, this proactive 22-year old candidly shares the inside track with us.
“A lot of people make themselves feel better by saying they are doing their bit by using eco-friendly products. But what they do not realise is that everything under the banner ‘non plastic’ is actually not eco-friendly. For instance, did you know the use of alternatives like glass or stainless steel are also harmful?” she questions.
Started early in February this year, Varsha reiterates how her love for the environment combined with a zesty entrepreneurial streak drove her to venture out. “While growing up, I’ve been responsible about my actions and particular about throwing the waste only into garbage cans. It irked me, so much so, I ended up picking every unwanted thing that caught my eye and threw it into a bin. In the past few years, I’ve been reading up a lot about how plastics-laced with misconceptions. The notion that all plastics are bad is what we are trying to change through aVa, an eco-friendly plastic water sipper. We all know that plastic is unavoidable in daily life. Understanding and advocating responsible use of plastic is the message I wish to spread,” she says.
Armed with a masters in international marketing from Hult International Business School, Boston; Varsha believes it’s the little steps which go a long way. “I’ve learnt small actions make a huge difference when it’s put together. On realising that Tritan is 100 per cent recyclable, I wondered, why not create a product which leads to a shift in the common perception about plastics? That’s when the idea of designing a durable water bottle came about. And the rest as they say, is history,” she quips.
Despite being super thrilled about how her idea will pan out, this zesty lass ensures there’s room for creative downtime.” I love travelling and reading. I also love spending time with pets and doing a wee bit of amateur photography.”
