Chennai's Green Haven: Discover these Conscious Online Stores

A non-profit organisation, Plastic-Free Madras from Kilpauk was founded in 2018. It brings people, companies, organisations, and policymakers together with the same objective of motivating people to stop using single-use plastic and switch to more sustainable alternatives. Their selection of products includes subscriptions, wedding hampers, and plastic-free solutions for both domestic and commercial needs. Plastic-Free Madras, which was founded by Pradeep Sekar and Divya, actively promotes plastic-free habits, educates the public and encourages the use of environmentally friendly alternatives.

In 2017, Shweta Balachandran took the initiative to establish Beesews after recognising the substantial waste generated from sewing her own clothes. This realisation led her to believe that there would be even more waste in tailor stores and retail outlets. Initially using her own fabric waste, Shweta's venture has now grown to the point where tailors send her their excess materials. She skillfully creates a variety of products including wallets, purses, bags, organisers, and scrunchies that are priced between INR 350 and INR 800. If you are interested in purchasing one of her custom bags or purses, you can explore her offerings on Instagram and send her a DM. 

Vilvah Store is a sustainable skincare brand that specialises in creating skincare products using fresh and natural ingredients. The founder, Krithika Kumaran, was inspired by her mother's skincare journey who had sensitive skin and been struggling with skin problems for over ten years. The products she used on her skin, which contained chemicals, only made the situation worse. Motivated by her mother's experience, Krithika pursued a diploma in natural cosmetology. Her daughter's eczema further fuelled her passion to create skincare products that were pure and free from harmful ingredients. She began by developing her classic Goat Milk Soap and expanded her product line to include a range of items that are free from sulphates, silicones, parabens, artificial fragrances, harsh chemicals, glycols, and GMOs. The goal of Vilvah Store is to provide effective skincare solutions while prioritising sustainability and the use of natural ingredients.

Goli Soda promotes sustainable consumption patterns and strives to generate a positive environment and health, also making sustainable living accessible with minimal lifestyle changes. They carefully evaluate their partners, ensuring they align with their sustainability values. They also pay attention to the origins of their products, ensuring they come from ethical and environmentally responsible sources. The manufacturing process is a priority, with a focus on creating chemical-free, zero-waste products using natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced. In addition to selling their own products, Goli Soda also offers products from 57 other sustainable companies.

Cotton Concepts was founded twenty years ago by a duo named Nathan and Annie. Nathan's deep knowledge and expertise in textiles, combined with Annie's sharp marketing skills, have been the foundation of their remarkable journey to success. They offer a wide range of products for homes, encompassing various essentials, along with medical textiles. Cotton Concepts is driven by the mantra of producing textiles that have zero impact on the environment and promote sustainable living. Their factories exclusively process organic fibres like cotton, jute, and other natural materials that align with this ethos. From the processing phase to packaging, their production facilities strictly adhere to green practices, ensuring a holistic approach to sustainability.

EcoIndian runs a website that features a wide variety of sustainable products in addition to showcasing and selling its own goods. Their product selection spans a range of categories, including grocery, home goods, personal care, and health care, all of which are intended to adhere to sustainable and eco-friendly living standards. EcoIndian has increased its reach by opening three physical stores in three separate cities: Mylapore, Chennai, and Pondicherry. These stores complement its online presence. While their online platform offers accessibility and convenience for a wider audience, these physical locations give customers a tangible experience to explore and buy sustainable items. 

Maya Skincare maintains the essential idea of natural and safe products to provide its clients with the best outcomes possible. Maya Skincare offers a wide range of products to meet different demands for beauty and wellness, including Lip and Cheek Tints, Face Care, Skincare, Hair Care, and Handmade Soaps. Customers can rely on the company's products to be soft on their skin and free of potentially dangerous chemicals thanks to their commitment to utilising natural ingredients. At Maya Skincare you can create special presents for your loved ones by choosing from a variety of personalised combos and hamper or even contacting them to create a thoughtful package that is suited to the tastes and requirements of the person you are treating or want to surprise.

Co-founders Priyanjoli Basu and Dominique Lopez started Oh Scrap! Madras is a passion project to breathe new life into fabric scrap that has transformed into a line of zero-waste products. They upcycle fabric scrap collected from garment exporters and tailoring units in Chennai. The fabric products designed aim at bringing handmade and high-quality sustainable alternatives to plastic or highly intensive less ethical productions. The products are sold on Brownliving.in and also have pop shops around the city. 

The Shandy, founded by organic farmers Hari Sethuraman and P.B. Murali, is Chennai's first organic store. Established in 1998 as the Sunday Shandy, it initially operated as a weekly market for farmers to directly sell fresh organic produce. Over time, The Shandy has grown into a bustling marketplace offering a diverse range of organic products sourced from farmers and artisans across India. Their mission is to provide these products to customers and retail outlets on a daily basis. A highlight of The Shandy is their renowned Organic Mangoes, which have received awards and are certified by the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS). These mangoes are cultivated in their pesticide- and chemical-free orchard located in Punnamai Village. With over 6,000 mango trees, the farm serves as a model for organic farming in India.

Tula is a non-profit social enterprise that offers garments made from organically grown Indian cotton. The cotton is cultivated by smallholder, rainfed farmers, and the yarn is hand-spun by skilled khadi and khaddar workers. Natural dyes are used when necessary, under expert guidance, and the fabric is woven on handlooms by master weavers. The garments are stitched by women and men from economically and socially marginalised groups. Wearing a Tula garment signifies a commitment to the environment and fair trade.