'What a Waste 2.0', a 2016 report published by the World Bank, estimated that waste generation will increase from 2.01 billion tonnes in 2016 to 3.40 billion tonnes in 2050. “At least 33 per cent of this waste is mismanaged globally today through open dumping or burning,” it further said. India is the second most populated country, and all our consumption levels and waste generation need to be limited. Sensing the need to do something about this, two friends from Chennai decided to get together and bring about a much-needed change.
Sudarshana Pai and Veena Balakrishnan, who graduated from NIFT Chennai, did not simply want to make a change, but wanted to make sure that they did not contribute to the waste generated on a daily basis.
After reading articles about the increasing amount of waste and coming across pictures and videos of animals trapped in plastic bags, most of us wish to see a change, but are stuck wondering how to bring that about. Sudarshana and Veena went a step ahead hoping to do something that will help us create a sustainable and zero-waste lifestyle.
Sudarshana Pai (left) and Veena Balakrishnan
The result was Two’s Company, a consultancy and service platform to help us understand sustainability in a better way. To the duo, who had always had an inclination towards leading a sustainable lifestyle, a subject in their course―Sustainable Production for Fashion―helped them move closer to this dream project. About one and a half years ago, they embarked on the journey to lead such a life.
Right from the beginning of the day till we go to bed, we use a number of products which aren’t recyclable. Speaking about the personal care products and everything that we use on a daily basis, Veena says: “Everything that we are using today is unsustainable, that is the bigger issue at hand”. All they were looking for was an alternative. That’s how they started using products having longer life-span and those producing less waste.
When their Instagram page was launched, not much was known about their objective. In the next few posts, they gave facts and figures about plastics and other products that we consume. We come across so many Instagram pages that give us such facts, but what makes Two's Company interesting is their interesting anecdotes and questions that make you think. One such anecdote was a love story between Veena and her old bed sheet–pillow cover set. Instead of throwing away an old, but beloved bedsheet, which was gifted by her parents, Veena decided to put her skills into use and made a dress out of it. Not only did she succeed in preserving her little memory, but also saved one piece of trash.
The birth of Everwards
Two’s Company wanted to help people replace their products with something sustainable and less harmful such as using a neem stick instead of a toothbrush. However, solving issues of accessibility, affordability, and relatability were the major challenges.
“Every time we wanted to replace a product or practice, all we heard was that it is expensive, not accessible, one had to wait too long to get the products,” says Sudarshana. “We wanted to introduce everyday products that can be replaced by not compromising all these factors.” This is where Two’s Company is relatable.
On November 28, they launched their brand ‘Everwards’ that will provide all the daily basic necessities for online consumers. The brand provides alternative products that need to be purchased only once or that creates less waste. Collaborating with Boondh, a social enterprise that provides sustainable menstrual cups and services, Everwards also sells menstrual cups, which can be used for a minimum of 10 years. You can also purchase products for as low as Rs 49. Plantable notebooks, seeds, and handkerchiefs are a few other products that are priced at Rs 49. Alternative products for plastic toothbrush and water bottles are also available. Face and hair products are quite interesting as well. They are locally handmade and are available in non-plastic containers! They have collaborated with various local brands and people to create an affordable and relatable brand.
Drawstring bags for all purposes
Zero waste
Have you come across the article or seen the video of a famous zero-waste wedding? The complete credit goes to Two’s Company. The successful wedding inspired around 30-40 couples to make their weddings waste-free. The efforts of Two's Company to create awareness did not stop there. They successfully organised a zero-waste TEDx event. In order to promote a conscious lifestyle, they also organised a second-hand sale in Chennai with clothes, accessories and books.
Two’s Company is now launching 100 per cent plastic-free products. From the containers to packaging, everything comes in a non-plastic material.
Everwards have also made these products available offline at Sait Colony House, Egmore in Chennai between 15 and 23 December 2018. You can visit to get a glimpse of these products and can begin a zero-waste lifestyle as well! Veena and Sudarshana are also keen on engaging conscious millennials with contests and fun games.
You can visit check them out on Instagram @twoscompany_india and @everwardsindia_zerowaste.
