Rakshabandhan is around the corner and everyone is on the lookout for the perfect rakhi for their siblings. For the last couple of years, I have consciously chosen brands that make sustainable rakhis. Rakhis traditionally started off as simple cotton threads to mark the bond between siblings, but this thread has now jazzed up into plastic bands that are used for a few hours and then disposed. It may not seem like it, but every year millions of rakhis are dumped in landfills generating tonnes of unnecessary non-decomposable waste. There are plenty of brands that are creating sustainable rakhi options these days. So this year, consider keeping your celebrations green by getting your sibling a rakhi from these interesting eco-friendly brands.

Clay Kreations

Clay Kreations- as the name suggests- makes rakhis from clay. The best part about these rakhis is that they double up as magnets. So once you’re done with wearing it, you can use the creation as a magnet for years to come. My brother still has his rakhi from last year up on the fridge. You can either get a custom-made design or choose from their pre-existing designs.

These are reasonably priced, sustainable and quirky - definitely a favourite.

Price - Ranging from Rs. 30 to Rs. 150 (depending on the design) + shipping based on actuals

You can see the options on Instagram and place your orders there or call them on +91 99990 28306

Phool Co

Phool Co. has a rakhis that can be grown into plants and cherished for years to come- provided you have somewhat of a green thumb! Their plantable seed rakhis are made using hand-spun cotton yarn and dyed with natural colours. The seeds are woven into the rakhi - so once you’re done celebrating, the rakhi can just be put in a pot of soil to grow your own basil, amaranth, purslane - depending on the rakhi you get. Lumba rakhis are also available. The rakhis come in cardboard gift boxed along with roli-chawal in little glass bottles. It’s a great all-in-one package to send to your brother in another city.

Price - Rs. 325 (inclusive of shipping anywhere in India).

You can order their rakhi boxes online on their Website

Ziveli

These are compostable rakhis that are hand-crocheted by rural women in Karnataka using banana fibre and cotton thread- they are embellished with Rudraksha beads, seashells and tulsi beads. So once they’ve adorned your brother’s wrist, they can be discarded guilt-free or even just added to your compost bin - to make some nutrient-dense soil for your plants! Lumba rakhis are also available.

Price - Rs. 200 (inclusive of shipping anywhere in India)

You can order these rakhis by messaging them on Instagram or through the Ziveli Website

Remember to reduce, reuse and recycle whenever you can :)

Happy Rakshabandhan to all those celebrating!