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Jan. 31, 2025

Sustainable-ish: Figuring Out How to Live Green Without Going Off the Grid

Sustainable-ish: Figuring Out How to Live Green Without Going Off the Grid

Let’s be real—sustainability can feel overwhelming. Between deciphering what “carbon neutral” really means and figuring out if your oat milk obsession is actually helping the planet, it's easy to feel lost in a sea of greenwashing.

That’s where Chai Break Podcast comes in. Because if we’re going to talk about changing the world, we might as well do it with a hot cup of chai in hand. From South Asian sustainability advocates to conscious entrepreneurs, Season 4 has been all about Chai-versing our way to a greener future—minus the eco-guilt.

So, if you're looking for practical ways to embrace sustainability without turning into a zero-waste monk overnight, you’re in the right place. Here’s a roundup of our latest Chai-versations on sustainability, packed with insights, humor, and real talk.

Climate-Conscious Gifting: Because No One Needs Another Generic Mug

Gift-giving is a love language, but let’s face it—most of us have received gifts that end up collecting dust (or worse, in a landfill). Enter Prateeksha Chandraghatgi, founder of Greenr Gifts, who joined us to chat about climate-positive gifting.

Instead of mass-produced junk, why not gift something meaningful—like planting a tree in someone's name, curating a locally sourced gift box, or even upcycling an old treasure into something new? Sustainability doesn’t mean boring—it just means being a little more thoughtful.

🔗 Listen to the episode here

Thrifting Through Time: Your Grandma Did It First

If you think thrifting is just a Gen Z TikTok trend, think again. South Asian households have been mastering the art of repurposing for generations—whether it’s reusing wedding saris for years or passing down stainless steel tiffin boxes like family heirlooms.

In one of our earlier episodes, we unpacked the history of thrifting, the rise of circular fashion, and brands that are actually walking the sustainability talk (not just slapping a green label on fast fashion). Spoiler: your next best outfit might already exist—just waiting to be found in a thrift store or your mom’s closet.

🔗 Listen to the episode here 

Fashion That’s More Than Just a Statement

Can fashion be both fabulous and sustainable? Niha Elety, a sustainable fashion advocate, says absolutely. Our Chai-versation with her uncovered how fashion, art, and heritage intersect in the fight against fast fashion. From supporting slow fashion brands to embracing textile heritage, the key is to make more intentional choices without sacrificing personal style.

🔗 Listen to the episode here:

Breaking Up with Plastic: It’s Not You, It’s... Actually, It Is You

Plastic is everywhere—from your coffee cup lid to that sneaky piece of tape on your “eco-friendly” packaging. Dr. Sukanya Punthambekar, co-founder of Breaking, is tackling this global crisis head-on. Did you know we’ve produced over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic since the 1950s? Yikes.

The good news? We can all be part of the solution. From switching to plastic-free packaging to supporting brands that prioritize sustainability, every small action adds up.

🔗 Listen to the episode here

Sip, Listen, Act: The Chai Break Sustainability Challenge

Sustainability isn’t about perfection—it’s about making better choices, one step at a time. So, here’s a fun challenge:

✅ Swap out one single-use plastic item this week.
✅ Support a local or secondhand shop instead of buying new.
✅ Gift something thoughtful and eco-friendly.

And of course, don’t forget to tune into Chai Break Podcast for more Chai-versations that will make you think, chuckle a little and maybe even rethink your next shopping spree.

♻️ Because saving the planet should be as enjoyable as your favorite brew.

💬 What’s one sustainable swap you’ve made recently? Drop a comment below!

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Related Episode

Nov. 15, 2024

Planet Positive Gifting with Prateeksha Uday, Founder of Greenr Gifts

Welcome to Season 4 of the Chai Break Podcast. In this episode of the Chai Break Podcast , we dive into the world of climate-conscious gifting with Prateeksha Chandraghatgi , founder of Greenr Gifts . With a tech background …