Recycling at its best

At the Jeevan Kala (jeevan meaning life and kala meaning art in the Nepali language) Store, you’ll find pretty and clever little baskets, penholders and trays, among other things that will make shopping at this place a wholly new experience in itself.

It is the perfect solution for all your gifting needs. Contemporary and classy, the designs are like a breath of fresh air.[break]

The store boasts an array of products that have been crafted from discarded plastic wrappers, tyre tubes and rice sacks collected from movie halls, schools and various garbage dumps.

Six women from Dhading are behind all the fabulous creations you can see on display in this tiny but delightful store and they have been doing this for a decade now while the place in Thamel is only a year old. Initially, the handicrafts were sold from the office of Himalayan HeathCare in Jawalakhel.

The proceeds from the sale support health, education and women empowerment in the remote villages of Dhading.

Eco-friendly design is the mantra for 2012, and recycling is the key to sustaining a balance in a world where its resources are steadily depleting. Jeevan Kala’s way of reminding us of our responsibility to the planet is praiseworthy, and the store is a must-visit for all décor freaks out there.

POT HOLDERS

Rs 290

Make your kitchen bright and colorful with a few of these vibrant potholders.

FLOWER VASE

Rs 560

Perfect for holding artificial or dried flowers, or just as a decoration piece, use this flower vase for a fresh and unquestionably elegant look.

NAPKIN SETS

Rs 1,750

Adorn your dining table with these colorful napkins and make your dinner all the more lavish.

COASTERS (set of 6)

Rs 585

These will make a great conversation starter the next time you have friends over for coffee.

BOOKMARKS

Rs 75

Forget dog ears while reading a book. Get some nifty bookmarks like these from Jeevan Kala and save your books from some serious damage.

DESKTOP TRAYS

Rs 440

This pretty and functional desktop organizer will store and stack your stationeries in style.

PENCIL CASES

Rs 220

Carry your pens and pencils in cases made from recycled rice sacks and you won’t have to dig in around your bag in search of a pen any longer.

MUDAS

Rs 1,095

Take a seat in this comfortable and sturdy Muda, a Nepali style stool. Made of plastic and tyre tubes, it can be used outdoors and you won’t have to worry about it getting wet and spoiled in the rain.

GLASS CASES

Rs 150

This sleek and trendy glass case will keep your pair of reading lenses safe and protected.

BATHROOM TRAYS

Rs 490

Get your bathroom essentials in perfect order with this stunning bathroom tray.

TRAYS

Rs 510

Serve your guests in this tray the next time you have a party and get complimented on your hosting skills.

BOWLS

Rs 200

Can’t seem to find a place to store your little knick-knacks in your living area or bedroom? Take the cue from this bowl here.

KAREN BAGS

Rs 875

A swanky and colorful bag is just the accessory your need to carry your essentials and at the same time add some vibrancy to your attire this dreadful winter.

MIRRORS

Rs 500

The use of mirrors can make a small space look large and it’s functional at the same time. Use it at your entrance, in bathroom, living room or the bedroom – the possibilities are endless.