Make being eco-friendly cheaper

Dia Mirza says people shouldn’t be made to pay bigger price for being eco-friendly

Handloom has become a runway favourite from being a common man’s clothing but the focus on sustainability has made it unaffordable for the masses. Dia Mirza, who is UN Enviroment Goodwill Ambassador, believes government needs to regulate the costing of eco-friendly and natural products in order to make sustainability the way of life.

“Costing is a major factor which needs to be looked at to make handlooms popular. Now the more natural the thing is the more expensive it will be. I believe government will have to play a very important role in that. There are companies producing natural stuff to get tax benefits. I believe people shouldn’t be made to pay a bigger price for being eco-friendly. It discourages people from using sustainable products. Not everybody has the means of the income to afford this kind of stuff. Cost of these products have to come down to make it mainstream,” Dia said. The actor says the fact that India is the biggest producer of handloom and hand-woven material can make the country the frontrunner is explaining the necessity of sustainability to the world. Dia delivered a talk at the Lakme Fashion Week Winter/Festive 2018 on driving circular economy with ‘Fashion for Earth’. In her address, the actor explained what the circular economy model means and how it can contribute in promoting sustainable fashion. —PTI