Leaf ‘n’ Grass Echoes Message of a Greener and
Better World
Going
Green isn’t about a product, it is about a process. It is
an ephemeral phenomenon that requires one to become friendly to nature and in
the process, friendly to oneself. It involves exploring the intricate details
of God’s creations, and using that knowledge of protects them. The words of Robert
Swan more than fit in here,
“The Greatest Threat to Our Planet is the Belief
that someone else Will Save it”
Eco
friendly or Green products are a manifestation of our distant dream to do away
with carbon footprints. Their production, use and disposal does nothing or very
little to damage the environment. Naturally, the embrace of such a potential
‘Green Economy’ has created a demand of ‘Green Skills’.
Go
Green Mission, launched in December 2015, aims to leverage this global trend to
promote handicrafts of West Bengal supporting the large craft fraternity of
West Bengal, sustain their green skills, and promote a green economy for the
state. Sitalpati, Madurkathi, Sal leaves, Sabai grass are being used to make a
range of innovative and diversified products which are being promoted under the
mission.
Leaf
‘n’ Grass, held at Akhra@Baitanik, Kolkata, was hosted as a part of the Go Green
Mission for three days starting 10th June, 2016; it showcased demonstration,
exhibition and sale of Eco Friendly Handmade products of Water Hyacinth, Sal
Leaf, Sabai Grass, Madurkathi and Recycled Handmade Paper.
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| #GoGreenMission #banglanatakdotcom |
Sal
Leaves
Forest
fringe communities gather in good numbers to attend trainings on Sal leaf plate
moulding and stitching. This modification in the finished product increases
the market value of the plates and the income generated by the locals’
increases manifold. They unite into Self Help Groups and work better; thus only
1 representative from a group of 5 joins the training at a time. We are presently working with about 14000 women.
Sal
leaves, obtained locally are stitched using the conventional tailoring machine.
Three stitched plates are placed one above the other and put in the Moulding
machine, which gives them firmness and are better accepted for competitive use
in the market. The final stage is that of packaging with different set counts
for different purposes. A Sal Leaf plate making process ideally requires as
many as 3 people, thus rendering an efficient process in terms of workforce as
well.
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| #Sal Leaves #GoGreenMission |
The
‘Weaving Dream’ Hub of Madurkathi is in Purba & Paschim Medinipur, about 140
kms from Kolkata. The raw material, Madurkathi grass is found is abundance in
the alluvial plains of Medinipur. Stalks from the grass are dried, cleaned and
split into a number of strips, usually, 4-8 strips. The strips are made thinner
to obtain a finer end product. After cleaning
the inner tissue of the stalk, the reeds are soaked in water; after which they
are dyed and cut into appropriate sizes. It is then that they are woven in the
loop to obtain the desired product. A finishing touch is given by the cutting
of the stalk edges and binding the edge of the product with coloured clothes. A
Madurkathi product can take 2 days to a month and a half depending on the intricacy
of work. We are working with about 4000 Madurkathi artists presently.
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| #Madurkathi #GoGreenMission |
Handmade
Paper
Paper
can be produced from a diverse range of raw materials – old newspapers, banana
leaves, flax, sun hemp, and ramie among others. A demonstration using an old
newspaper elucidated the process. The paper is soaked in water for a
sufficiently long duration of time. The water-drenched paper is churned in a
mixer or any alternate churning device to produce a pulp. The obtained pulp is
immersed in a tub of water so as to form a fluid. The fluid is sieved through a
net and kept for drying. This is the rate determining step, and the final
handmade paper is obtained in roughly about 24 hours. The more time devoted for
drying, more compact is the paper. In some cases, such as banana and ramie, the
paper is bleached to ensure utility. Handmade papers are used in as book
covers, writing pads, notebook, for paintings, folders as well as innovative
products like handmade paper bags, etc.
Nirupama
Handmade Papers not only produces these but also work with the mission of
motivating people for a greener lifestyle through recycling and frequently
conduct workshops to teach the technique.
Water
Hyacinth
Water
Hyacinth is a vigorous growing aquatic weed is rich in Nitrogen content making
it a potent bio fuel source. It is useful in treating industrial waste water
and capable removing arsenic from contaminated water. It is also a commonly
used fodder and fertilizer.
After
the plant is acquired, it is stacked together. The stem is extracted and left
for drying for a period of 7-10 days. It is split into halves and fibre is obtained
from within and thrown away. What remains is a flat material which is pasted on
brown paper to obtain the product. Dyes and frames are also used for colouring
and shaping purposes respectively.
A
plethora of products can be made with Water Hyacinth, including frames,
folders, posters, slip-boxes, pen stands, writing pads, jewellery boxes and the
list goes on!
Sabai
Grass
A
naturally and abundantly obtained fibre, especially in the forest areas, it has been long nurtured as a craft by the indigenous communities of the forest fringe areas. Sabai grass has given an avenue to the rural to expand their horizons.
In older days, the grass was used in limited proportions such as in
rope-making. However, with the advent of new techniques and the greater
importance to green products, its use has diversified to various craft items.
The
grass, once taken, is wound together into ropes. These ropes are known for
their high tensile strength and durability. The grass could also be wound in
different patterns to obtain different utility products such as door mats,
hats, and tea coasters.
The
event was very well received as visitors poured in great numbers. A number of
schools in the vicinity were invited as an endeavour to promote the social and
cultural message among young minds, and the students witnessed the
demonstrations with great zeal and fascination. Folk concerts took place on
each of the 3 days of the exhibition in which folk artists such as Lalu Fakir,
Tirtha Bhattacharjee, and Sumanta Das Baul gave performances par excellence.
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| Sumanta Das Baul |
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