The Good Earth

Price range: Bookmark Rs 15/ Photo album Rs 1,000

Bungalow 8
Grants Building,17 Arthur Bunder Road,Colaba
Tel 2281 9880
Looking for the eco-friendly products hidden among the treasures at Bungalow 8 is a real pleasure. The showroom layout gives the impression of spying into a neighbour’s immaculately kept apartment. With a variety of paper products,in the form of trays and candle holders,a real find is a range of banana-leaf baskets in different sizes and colours. Classy and useful. They also have cane baskets,which are a little more mainstream,but still excellent quality. Seventy per cent of the products are made in India and with NGOs that promote the work of housewives in rural areas. And searching isn’t the only constraint; you’ll have to be willing to shell out the bucks,as their prices are comparatively higher than other stores.

Price range Vegetable skin bowl Rs 375 /Large banana-leaf basket Rs 3,150

Lush
Grand Galleria,Phoenix Mills Compound,
Tel 2497 5519
If you do not know Lush,you must have been out bush-whacking for the last few years. Currently present in 37 countries,Lush has been in this Mumbai location since

December and merits a trip if just to take in the plentiful (though at times overwhelming) aromas. To recap,their products are all natural,not tested on animals,trade fair,with no packaging and less preservatives. You will find wild and wicked combinations for skin,hair and body care. Why not try the Karma Komba shampoo followed by a Jungle conditioner to sooth the soul and excite the spirit? Tailor and customise to your heart’s content. As with most international brands,prices are steep.

Price range Bath salts Rs 250 per 100 grams/ ‘Gorgeous’ moisturiser made for Princess Diana at Rs 4,860

Om Ved
Grand Galleria,Phoenix Mills Compound,
Tel 4004 8218
It translates as ‘Absolute Knowledge’ and is a very tall order. Luckily,the store based on ‘pure natural living’ does not disappoint. Their range of products is impressive,with collections for home,body,and a personal favourite,mother and baby. Clothing is made with natural fibres and dyes. And they offer a number of pre-wrapped baskets to do away with the hassle of making decisions among so many possibilities. Their philosophy seeks to harmonise all aspects of nature,drawing heavily on ancient Vedic civilisations. You’ll feel more in touch with the universe by simply having gone once.

Price range Terracotta pots from Rs 60 /Ruby pendant for Rs17,000

Be Home
Maharaan,12th Gulmohar Cross Road,Juhu

Grand Galleria,Phoenix Mills
Tel 3060 9605
This has a wide variety of objects for everyday use. Buying for wives,mothers,or even a modern husband is not always easy and sometimes practical is best. Trays,laundry baskets and dustbins woven from natural anti-fungal material are a good,albeit unsexy idea. Otherwise,the store offers soaps,lotions and massage oils that may receive a more satisfying response. Non-toxic wax candles are also a popular favourite. And saving the best for last,Be Home offers an assortment of recycled glass vases. Ranging from modest to stylishly eye-grabbing,the deep purple and blue colours do indeed feel like coming home.

Price range Candle set Rs 300 /Full dinner set Rs 9,000

Eco Corner
Atria Mall,Worli
Tel 2481 3450
THIS little boutique could also have been called eco cove,eco treasure chest —but instead of X marking the spot,it is the trail of recycled paper streamers and wicker candlesticks that will lead you to your desired treasure. This is a green gift-givers paradise. For the kids there are educative calendars,and for the moms,washable trays made out of cardboard. Ceramics,candles,and stationary are all also a good bet. And the dangling rubber tree-lights would be a sparkly addition to any room. Eco Corner’s merchandise is made by rural artisans and one set of ornamental boxes are fashioned by mentally challenged adults. The friendly personnel will help you sift through all the gimcrackery to find exactly what you seek.

Price range Ceramic aroma diffusers Rs 30 /Banana fibre lamp Rs 4,100