Chennaiites switch to bio enzymes to live a chemical-free life

After a rise in the queries, sustainability coaches in the city have been conducting DIY natural cleaners and vegetable gardening workshops. Kalpana Manivannan, a prominent sustainability coach from Chennai, has been helping people improve their family’s food security and move towards a more sustainable lifestyle. “As an advocate of sustainable living, I want to spread the message of living a chemical-free and waste-free lifestyle. I have been conducting two workshops and one mentorship programme to empower people to switch to natural alternatives. Before itself, people have been mulling the idea of switching to natural and chemicalfree living. But it took a pandemic to make people understand the need for it. After the lockdown, many gotten in touch with me asking tips to start a chemical-free life,” says Kalpana.

The Karmaveer Chakra Awardee observes that once a person gets into the habit of making bio enzymes, then it will become part of their lives. “Everybody needs a push to start something. Bio enzyme cleaners are organic solutions produced by fermentation of fruits, vegetables, sugar, and water. It is easy to make bio enzyme cleaners at home with citrus fruit peels. As and when you get citrus fruits, keep the peel aside and start making small batches of natural cleaners. You just need to dedicate a few minutes every day. Like how brushing teeth is a daily habit, this also should become a habit. You can use bio enzymes as floor cleaners, bathroom cleaners, glass cleaners, for dishwashing, laundry, etc,” she says.

After her workshops, Kalpana provides mentoring and guidance for at least three months. “In the workshop, I will be sharing my learning and experience as videos and reference material for people to get started and sustain. We will be having WhatsApp groups for each batch and in that, participants keep sharing what they have been doing and this motivates others who haven’t started yet.”

The social entrepreneur vouches that once a person understands the science behind bio enzymes and get assurance that there is a community that supports it, then things will be easier. “There is always a doubt in people whether they will be able to sustain this. Once you make a few batches and realise that you could replace all the store-bought cleaners, then it is a huge step. Over the years, I have noticed that a lot of people are becoming eco-conscious and switching to a blissful chemical-free life,” she remarks.

Recently, Samantha Akkineni shared a picture of her making bio enzymes. “Bio enzymes contain good bacteria which breakdown stains and grime from a multitude of household surfaces,” (sic) the actress wrote.