Mumbai-based Sonika Bhasin has been living sustainably for five years, making mindful lifestyle choices that emphasise minimalism.

She collects vegetable peels and other organic scraps in her kitchen to compost in an earthen composter on her balcony.

The compost generated from kitchen waste nourishes her garden, growing herbs and vegetables that she uses in her cooking.

In addition to composting, Sonika collects dry waste like plastics and paper, which is picked up bi-weekly by a recycling service called 5R Cycle.

She avoids generating non-recyclable and non-compostable reject waste by using reusable alternatives such as cloth napkins and menstrual cups.

To reduce packaging waste, she shops at local grocery stores that offer bulk products and brings her own cloth pouches for transport.

Sonika has swapped chemical cleaners for natural bioenzymes made from fruit peels, jaggery, and water. This enhances her home’s eco-friendliness.

Used as a liquid cleaner for mopping, the bioenzyme cleaner not only cleans her home but also benefits her plants as a natural pesticide and fertiliser.

She particularly enjoys how citrus and pineapple peels add a pleasant scent to her homemade cleaners.

By integrating these practices into her daily routine, Sonika contributes to environmental conservation effectively.