You might not be a tree hugger, but if you worry about the planet, drop in at two new organic stores that have opened shop in the city

Mother Earth
At: SOBO Central, Crossroads,
Pt. MM Malvia Marg, Tardeo.
Call: 9892107754
Don't get put off by the intimidating fau00e7ade of this store located at one of South Mumbai's swankiest malls. It's friendly on your pocket, and stocks quaint organic and handmade items of daily use. The heritage section here is expansive, stocking aesthetic home du00e9cor items, while a tiny sabzi mandi sells organic fruits, vegetables and your daily ration of rice, dal, pulses, and even personal care products.

The du00e9cor items on level one, sourced from various NGOs are made by traditional artisans from around the country using local craft skills, but designed to suit urban taste. The handpainted leather puppets punctured with tiny holes to let light stream through, that were originally used to narrate the Ramayana, now make for ethnic screens and tabletop lampshades. Natural fibres weave their way on to bags and storage drawers. Check out the thread bangles and metal-cast Dhokra ornaments if Indo-chic is your style.

The clothing section is unimpressive, conservative in styling and cuts, although an extensive range of Moroccan and draw-string pants, hand-embroidered kurtas and handloom shirts is worth checking out.




The Nature's Co
At: Palladium, 2nd floor, Phoenix Mills Compound, Lower Parel.
Call: 32211771
Your coffee can now do more than give you a caffeine kick to puncture your morning slumber. It works wonders on your face, helping scrub away daily grime. Coffee and a whole range of natural products find their way into The Nature's Co's bath, body and wellness products.

You walk into this tiny store and are struck by exotic smells that waft through the air, leaving you light-headed. Not just another luxurious beauty store, this one has taken pains to include the five elements of nature into their stock. While the Aquaspark line uses hydrating aquatic plants and weeds, earthy minerals and mud carrying nurturing qualities of the soil, are packed in the Earthborne range.

Store owner Natasha Shah's background in Ayurveda prompted her to stock an all-vegan range, and with the PETA symbol embossed on all products, animal lovers can breathe easy.

We loved
That customers are invited for express massages and facials in the mini spa area so that they can feel the product before buying it.