Local Sustainability Fest in Kochi to bring together creators, artists and ecopreneurs

Shop from local brands, artisans, farmers and creators at the Local Sustainable Fest, set to open on December 6. A two-day event that explores the possibilities of sustainable living, the fest into its second edition, is a reminder to slow down and savour life, reconnect with one’s roots and create a shared sense of being, say the organisers.

While it offers a platform for small businesses, artisans, and independent creators to showcase their products and skills, it lets buyers make conscious choices.

Organised by Local Sustainable Living, a social enterprise that supports sustainability and facilitates local businesses, the first edition of the fest met with resounding success. It had 25 stalls from different parts of Kerala. “This year, the scope of the festival has grown; we will have over 50 curated stalls from across India,” says Noufal Mahboob, co-founder of Local Sustainable Living.

Local sustainable brands such as Thachani Clothing, Kalpaka Lifestyle Store, Mochaflora, Hempboss among others launched their brands at the first edition of the fest and they will be showcasing in the second edition, too.

One of the stalls at the first edition of the Local Sustainability Fest
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Launched two years ago, in a 200-year-old tharavadu (mansion), by Noufal and his cousin Mujeeb Latheef, both from the advertising industry, Local Sustainable Living has built a community of like-minded individuals who believe in giving back to the planet. 

“The first step was to create a physical space for ‘slowing down’. This old tharavadu has a pond and sacred grove, an ecosystem that is fast disappearing from mainstream life. Here, one can get reacquainted with the old way of life, when everything was not about quick fixes,” says Noufal.  

A performance held at the first edition of the Local Sustainability Fest
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

It has a performance space where people can organise workshops, or gigs without worrying about ticket sales or returns. “We don’t charge a fee, but contributions are welcome,” Noufal adds. The space also includes a store selling sustainable products. 

The fest is one of the activities of Local Sustainable Living. The low-waste, eco-friendly setting using mindful materials and choices that respect the planet, will by itself inspire people to think differently. From the tickets fo art installations, everything at upcycled or reusable. Every participant will get a reusable cloth bag as well, says Noufal.

It will include workshops on art and craft, upcycling and mindful thinking. Music and dance are part of the festivities too —Kerala-based folk fusion indie collective Oorali will perform on December 6 at 7.30pm; Jawari, a London-based music collective that fuses Hindustani music with contemporary elements will perform on December 7, 6pm followed by Poothapattu, a traditional art form from north Malabar presented by dancer Sujina Sreedharan and crew, at 8pm.

The entry fee is ₹199 with ₹170 redeemable at any stall. Over five food stalls will be devoted to local dishes. Workshops on upcycling willl be held. Screenings of documentaries and films on ecology will also be held. Entry is free for children below 10 and they can check out craft stations, take Nature walks and participate in cultural activities.

On December 6 and 7 at Local Sustainable Living, Maradu. For information, contact 8593096000.