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4 mins
2024-09-26
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Imagine a world where your worn-out clothes could be resurrected as curtains or a coconut shell could become a planter. This isn't just a fantasy; it's the reality Dr. Ina Jain has cultivated in her home on the outskirts of Hyderabad. Once a respected eye surgeon, she now dons the hat of an artist and an upcycling extraordinaire, inspiring others to adopt a more circular way of living. In today's article, we ask her about her journey and the secrets of living a more sustainable life.
A: Art has been a passion since my childhood. I used to sketch a lot and then did a few oil paintings. During my MBBS, I harnessed my artistic talent for creating elaborate and detailed anatomy drawings. I chose ophthalmology, as I regarded eye surgery to be another form of art. Later on, I became interested in plastic surgeries of the eye and even facial trauma, in which I had some success. During the COVID lockdown, I decided to leave behind my medical practice of 30 years, moved cities, and decided to immerse myself into the world of art. And I have never looked back.
Plant pots made with fresh coconut shells.
A: I guess I never really thought of upcycling as one of my skills. It has always been a way of life for me. I was always against the idea of throwing away things after a single use. My creative skills (as a doctor and artist) have come in handy for transforming items that others consider trash, into works of art. Even today my heart aches every time I see disposables or other things thrown recklessly into the trash, without a single thought for our planet. Additionally, my son's passion for saving the environment, coupled with all the sustainable living advice he sends my way, has greatly increased my awareness of the issue. His passion has definitely rubbed off on me and made me revisit my impact on Earth.
Pen stand using toilet paper rolls:
A: Oh it's so very fulfilling and satisfying to see things that were once headed to the landfill, be turned into beautiful objects which I can use in my day-to-day life. It's like eye surgery - take something that is not working well, or is worn out and give it a new life! I haven't thought about this, but, in some way, being a doctor and being a serial upcycler have some things in common!
Roman blinds made using worn-out silk saree:
A: First of all, you need to be passionate about climate change, and the urgency to address it! Then it becomes easy. You don't have to be an artist, or even creative. Once you shift your mindset, you will discover that we are biologically tuned to live like our grandparents - active, healthy, eating fresh, and sustainable. You can start by simply saying NO to PLASTIC, everywhere in your daily life. Whatever plastic you do have, upcycle it by making planters, pen holders, toothbrush holders, etc. Or put LED string lights in the bottles and hang them somewhere dark. Bottles and jars can easily be used the same way. With some very basic stitching skills, one can easily make tote bags out of old jeans or T-shirts. Roman blinds using old discarded saris are my personal favourite. YouTube is a great resource for finding easy, creative ways of giving things a second life. At least social media is good for something!
Kids' top using damaged/torn clothes:
A: Simply put, giving back to the environment whatever you are taking away from it.
Putting up solar panels to replace the energy you're using.
Putting up plants and trees to replace the oxygen you're using.
Composting to replace the soil ingredients. Use compost as an organic fertilizer for your gardens, and for growing food on your terrace/balcony/patio.
Clothes become tote bags. Then tote bags become rags for cleaning the floor. Eventually, the worn-out rag ends up in the compost pit and gives up its nutrients for growing things.
A: I would love to! I never realised that what I do (ie upcycling) is an art form that people would be interested in!
We want to thank Dr. Jain for taking the time to discuss her journey with us. Although Dr. Jain does not sell these upcycled goods yet, however, she does make hand-woven eco-friendly toys and jewelry that you can find at some physical stores in Hyderabad. True to her nature, all proceeds from these sales go to a non-profit organisation. You can check out some of her creations here.
It's important to remember that you can start living sustainably regardless of your age, gender, profession, and past habits. Let's all leave behind a world better than the one we inherited. Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more stories about sustainability champions.
Before you go, here are a few more upcycled creations by Dr. Jain. Pick one today, for your next DIY project!
Pen stand using broken glass:
Planter with used tin cans + torn leggings:
Sanitizer, multi-purpose dispenser using shampoo bottle + discarded jeans:
Decorative lamp using wine bottle + jute rope:
Hanging planters using takeaway food containers:
Necklaces using Odonil Smiley:
Plastic single-use pots can be the final destination for your plants, with some creativity:
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