The festival of lights is here and so is that time of the year when the country’s contribution to the carbon footprint is significantly high. Ever since people have noticed young activists like Greta Thunberg out on streets protesting against global issues like climate change, a lot of sense has prevailed. This has also given rise to several entrepreneurs who are taking steps towards preventing the impending doom. Here’s a story of one such entrepreneur who is trying to make a difference through what she knows best – Making Chocolates! Here’s how!
Priya Jain a chocolatier from Bengaluru has been spreading her charm with her delicious chocolates. From recycling the materials she uses to make her chocolates to raising awareness about an eco-friendly lifestyle this chocolate connoisseur does it all. Speaking about how she tries to make a difference she says, “We try to tell people to take the chocolates without packaging. We use cardboard boxes, baskets, cloth pouches, organza bags as much as possible.
Sometimes when we can’t do away with plastic, we make sure we tell our customers to bring it back, if possible, to recycle as much as possible.”
You can name the occasion and Priya is ready with an array of themed chocolates. For Diwali she offers a box of explosives! No, not the one that causes all the noise and pollution but the one that will explode flavours on your palate and vanquish those hungry demons in you forever! Speaking about what her box comprises of Priya says, “We have the classic atom bomb, Lakshmi bombs both sizes - big and small, chocolate diyas, rockets, guns, flower pots, ladi or maale Pataki and zameen chakkar all these made in chocolate. We make both milk and dark chocolate, and also customise with nuts and flavours for those who want it customised.”
Speaking about the inception of this brilliant idea Priya says, “We can’t think of Diwali without firecrackers. But the noise and smoke are always a hazard. I haven’t burst crackers for more than 13 years, but I understand that children love the idea of crackers. Chocolates are a big hit around this time and I thought why not combine the two and make it memorable both for children and adults. The bonus is, no animals or humans are harmed in the making or using of these products and they make for excellent gifts.”
When asked about how essential it is for people to lead an Eco-friendly lifestyle Priya says, “That’s almost as crucial as oxygen. We need to ensure everything we do generates as less trash as possible. I even go as far as to drop off deliveries and encourage people to come pick up their orders to avoid excess packaging in the form of plastic.”
Priya began making chocolates in 2013 she says, “Initially, it was for my family. My brother is very fond of chocolates and I wanted to learn more about it.”
Priya’s message to everyone is, “Reuse, recycle, refuse. It doesn’t just stop at not taking plastic bags when we shop, we also need to try and reduce the number of things we buy. I am a big fan of recycling and upcycling. It’s important to keep in mind the number of processes everything goes through before it reaches you. We need to constantly keep in mind that we don’t overdo the consumption cycle.”
Stating a few alternatives to bursting crackers she adds, “You can rather Meet people, revive friendships and relive the old times, light lots of lamps, dress up in traditional clothes, gift cracker chocolates and simply enjoy the festive fervour!”
Speaking about what’s next for this awesome chocolatier she chuckles, “Halloween, Christmas, New Year, Valentine’s day, Women’s day, the wedding season! It’s always a good time for chocolate!”
