Karachi:
In many cases, environmental damage is accepted as a necessary evil if economic growth and development can be ensured. But this warning could spell disaster, especially for countries like Pakistan that are simultaneously struggling with slow economic growth and environmental instability.
Given the country's precarious economic situation and its position as one of the countries most severely affected by global climate change, the need for more sustainable alternatives is essential. And to this end, the answer may be found by turning to more familiar options.
“Given the economic challenges, supporting local brands is an alternative to building the economy,” said Shaista Ayesha, CEO of social impact ecosystem development and impact investment organization SEED Ventures. He explained.
To achieve this objective, under the banner of sustainability platform What's The Alternative (WTA), Aisha and her team designed and organized an 'Alternative Lifestyle Festival'.
In response to WTA's focus on the environment, lifestyle and wellness, the event was recently held at Beach Luxury and was free and open to the public. It served as an innovative, community-centered gathering that provided insight, focused on sustainable ventures, and created space for creativity and learning.
As WTA's newest addition to its roster, the festival focused on the lifestyle aspect of the platform, connecting locals looking for sustainable alternatives with industry leaders spearheading those changes.
Like all WTA events, the festival was a combination of insight and fun. To draw attention to ground-breaking companies championing alternative methods of production and growth, the festival will host an insightful panel discussion aptly titled 'Choosing for Change', featuring experts from a variety of fields. The house discussed the need for alternative approaches to growth.
Andreeb Uros Ahmed of Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited said that sustainability efforts are built into the very fabric of the business, and the concept is fully reinforced by the parent company's global focus on smoke-free alternatives. I pointed out that it is encapsulated in
Uros commented on the “product transformation” taking place within the company, stressing that “we are moving towards less harmful alternatives.”
read: Is this economic stability sustainable?
She also noted that the company is keenly aware of its impact and is promoting campaigns aimed at reducing littering and promoting recycling.
It was heartening to meet industry leaders who are not necessarily at the forefront of sustainability efforts, as they signaled a shift in trends.
Sadia Dada, chief marketing and communications officer at K-Electric, agreed as much, saying, “We know that the power sector is really the last place this conversation will take place.” .
At K-Electric, she stressed, the transition to a more sustainable path takes into account that the electricity sector is both necessary and one of the most significant causes of environmental damage. The approach taken by K-Electric has set up a model that helps produce the necessary energy sustainably, while at the same time offsetting some of the negative by-products of the energy sector and developing a “pathway to progress” .
Sustainable fashion enthusiast Hasan Shehryar Yassin shared the importance of being very careful about what you put your name on.
Regarding fashion trends that have a negative impact on the environment, he said: “Fabric waste is a problem. And as fashion consumption and hunger for consumption seem to only increase, this problem will quickly become a pressing issue.”
In light of this, he stressed, “As a responsible citizen, not just of Pakistan but of the world, we must be clear about where we want to place our influence.''
As a supporter of craft and tradition, he declared, “We don't do fast fashion.” Instead, we have chosen to offer a service where a customer can bring in his HSY parts and refurbish them.
Sara Nasiruddin, a leader in the farm-to-table space and co-founder of Karachi Farmers Market, shares her journey to build a platform for clean producers and the consumers who want to support them. said.
Reflecting on the platform's eventual success, she said, “People started noticing changes in their health.” She enthusiastically pointed out that “many of their health problems have gone away.”
Reflecting on the progress of the Karachi Farmers Market, her ultimate conclusion was that “local, seasonal and clean food” is essential for a sustainable future.
Environmentalist and horticulturist master Tofik Pasha talks about mindful thinking in a hearthside conversation with Dr. Aisha Mian, a US-trained child and adult psychiatrist and CEO and founder of Synapse. We delved into dietary and lifestyle choices and provided valuable tips on how to make food a meaningful part of society. own life.
Tofik Pasha, a long-time advocate of conscious living and consumption, spoke at length about the importance of conscious living and protecting the planet. He provided thought-provoking insights into the subtle art of living consciously, encouraging participants to reflect on their daily choices and adopt practices that are in harmony with both their personal well-being and the natural world.
Reflecting on a collective new normal where mental health disorders and health concerns are on the rise at alarming rates, Dr. Aisha Mian says that while “coronavirus has subsided,” it has been followed by a different kind of “coronavirus.” “Pandemic or endemic disease” remains.
She stressed that while “all the focus is on tertiary care when everything is already going wrong”, “prevention” is something we all have to look to champion. .
With the aim of championing and celebrating sustainable and healthier alternatives, the event will feature a dynamic event filled with eco-friendly products, organic food and drink options, and sustainable alternatives to fashion, technology, and crafts. It also included a market.
Vendors focused on health and wellness will share space with educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Start-ups with a focus on sustainability received particular attention.
Health food stores like Organi'Kio and The Panwari delighted taste buds with hearty, earth-friendly menus. Labels such as Libas introduced contemporary fashion pieces inspired by traditional crafts.
Eclectic brands such as Tween the Knots and Dastern offered truly unique home décor items, while skincare enthusiasts could also sample organic products such as 100% Wellness Company. Meanwhile, fitness enthusiasts found a haven at the booth of the famous gym TriFit. And respected Karachi trainer Mantaha encourages everyone to embrace physical activity as an integral part of a balanced lifestyle.
The author is a Pakistani-Canadian content creator and writer who has written extensively about Pakistan, with a particular focus on sustainability. Her work has appeared in publications in Pakistan and North America.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 4th2024.
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