Living sustainably often feels like a paradox. For the affluent, it is a choice—a conscious effort to minimize harm to the environment while maintaining a modern lifestyle. For the economically disadvantaged, however, sustainability is not an option but a necessity, a means of survival. My journey of navigating this paradox has been deeply influenced by my life in Janakpur, a small yet historically significant town in southeastern Nepal.
Janakpur is a place of contrasts. It holds immense cultural and spiritual significance but lags behind in terms of development. While living here, I’ve had the privilege of working with Shah Hemp Inno-Ventures (SHIV), a global brand rooted in sustainability. This journey has been as much about personal growth as it has been about making an impact.
The Seeds of Sustainability: A Humble Beginning
In a recent interview at our store, Made in Janakpur, I was asked how the idea of working for sustainability came to us. Reflecting on this, I realized that when my husband and I started working with hempcrete in Nepal, sustainability was not our primary goal. In fact, the term “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs) was also just been adopted by UN.
We were driven by two simple yet profound desires:
- To use hempcrete as a building material to address the reconstruction challenges posed by Nepal’s devastating earthquake.
- To live a more meaningful life by following our hearts and embracing a purpose-driven path.
Years later, as we completed the B-Corp certification process—becoming Nepal’s first B-Corp certified company—we gained clarity about the broader impact of our work. Many practices that we followed instinctively, or as a way of life in Janakpur, were inherently sustainable: using groundwater, compostable toilets, cycling to work, and sourcing materials locally.
The Paradox of Sustainability
The world talks about sustainability and climate change as urgent priorities, but the lived reality in places like Janakpur presents a stark contrast. In developed nations, cycling is celebrated as a sustainable alternative and supported by initiatives like dedicated cycling pathways and cyclothons. Here, cycling is simply a necessity because many cannot afford motorbikes or cars.
Similarly, in affluent societies, natural homes made from materials like clay, bamboo, and lime are highly sought after. Yet, in underdeveloped areas, such structures are the norm—not out of choice but due to lack of resources. These homes, however, are often poorly constructed, as the aspiration remains to replace them with concrete houses.
Even food tells a tale of disparity. In smaller communities, people often grow their own food using traditional, chemical-free methods with resources like cow dung, neem leaves, and wood ash. In developed regions, this is a luxury—an expensive hobby or a premium product bought at exorbitant prices, often with questionable certifications.
Finding the Middle Ground
The question remains: can we bridge the gap between the extremes of sustainability? Must underdeveloped regions abandon their sustainable ways to embrace industrialization, only to circle back to relearn conscious living? Will the developed world move beyond greenwashing to embrace true sustainability, or will nature reset the balance, forcing us all to start over?
The answer lies in collaboration, respect for traditional practices, and innovation. Sustainability must become universal—not as a luxury for some or survival for others, but as a shared value and responsibility.
Conclusion: Building a Sustainable Future Together
- Respect Traditional Knowledge: Communities like Janakpur possess invaluable wisdom in sustainable living. Recognizing and integrating these practices into global sustainability efforts can create a robust model.
- Affordable Innovation: Technologies and solutions that make sustainability accessible to all must be prioritized, avoiding the pitfalls of exclusivity and high costs.
- Global Solidarity: Developed and developing nations must work together, learning from each other’s strengths to foster a middle ground where sustainability becomes a shared goal.
- Rethink Progress: True progress isn’t abandoning traditional methods for modern tools but finding ways to harmonize both for a better future.
By embracing sustainability as a collective aspiration, we can create a world where conscious living is not confined to a choice for the rich or survival for the poor but becomes a source of pride and possibility for all. Let us meet at this middle ground, blending tradition and innovation for a more equitable and sustainable future.
