We are literally drowning in waste, the climate is behaving in the most unexpected manner and plastic is all around us!
Unlike most of us, Cafe Aarambh sets a perfect example instead of complaining about how things are going wrong and why the government isn’t doing anything. The cafe is located inside the CEE campus, Ahmedabad, and is one of its kind cafe in Ahmedabad that aims to keep sustainable and mindful consumption as its priority.
On asking about the source of inspiration, the founders shared,
“It was the need of the hour. If not now then, when? There is no lack when it comes to cafes, restaurants, or any kind of food joints in Ahmedabad. However, we wanted to begin with a change and that is why the name “Aarambh”. The meaning of this word is to begin. We believe that this is a new beginning in this city to create a space where slow food is served with the best local ingredients.”
Local Food
Instead of serving exotic dishes, this cafe serves food and juices made with local fruits and vegetables. The main reason behind this action is to reduce the carbon footprint. With local food, transportation is the least and does not require much effort to reach the destination. Cafe Aarambh not just preaches but also practices what it believes in.
They have a variety of seasonal and local dishes on their menu. Filled with taste, authenticity, and love, these dishes are served along with wonderful fruit juices. The freshly cooked food served at Cafe Aarambh is a combination of authentic Gujarati dishes and a few new recipes with local ingredients.
They also believe that people working in the cafe should also be dedicated to the cause in order to make it possible. Collective action is what brings a difference.
“We are always conscious about what we serve our guests. Not only with respect to the ingredients we use but also with the staff we have in our kitchen. We believe that the person that cooks the food leaves a lot of impact on the food as well. We make sure to onboard people on our team that are dedicated towards their work and believe in overall welfare at the core.”
Sustainability at Cafe Aarambh
At Aarambh, they make sure that they generate the least waste. To take care of the organic waste, they carry out the composting process. Composting is a process wherein the peels of fruits & vegetables are used to make fertilizers for plants. When these peels go through a particular process, they convert into fertilizer for plants after a few days.
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Some of the waste is used in making bio-enzymes, which are further used for cleaning. Citrus peels are best put to use by making bio-enzymes. Small changes like these can make a massive reduction in the waste generated.
They strongly believe in “Tissue is an issue” and promote washing hands instead of using disposable tissue. No plastic glasses are used in serving any beverage. Moreover, the procurement of every material is made in a way that plastic is not used. If, in any case, it becomes mandatory to use plastic, it is washed and delivered to the recycling outlets nearby.
The food is made in small lots, which allows the customers to enjoy fresh food and reduces waste. They do not practice & promote the culture of storing food for a more extended period in refrigerators. Freshly cooked food is a path that takes you toward a healthy body.
A step towards sustainability…
They do much more than just serve food. Cafe Aarambg is also developing a value-based conscious community. Here’s what their intentions are with the cafe,
- Support local communities & farmers
- Take responsibility for our own food waste, consumption & carbon footprint
- Use organically grown produce, wherever possible
- Provide the best quality food
- Educating consumers about sustainable & conscious consumption
Cafes like these are a source of inspiration for all of us to initiate the journey towards a sustainable life. Cafe Aarambh has initiated the change, are you willing to join?