Deforestation is certainly one of the primary causes of environmental degradation but, apart from that, a rapid increase in vehicles is also a major reason behind the distressing situation. Most people were leading a healthy life until urbanization made its way, back then pollution was less and so was the diseases. And to curb down the number of illness Kochi’s Suma Sooraj is selling indoor plants to help those who cannot afford the cost of treatments or medicines.

53-year-old Suma came up with Zumo Indoor Creations a few months back through which she sells handpicked plants put in either ceramic vessels or beer bottles. And the best part about them is, they can absorb pollution.

When Suma’s father was suffering from dementia, the situation at her home was very tough. Affording his treatments was not a problem for them but, it left her wondering how do underprivileged people manage during such times? And that was a good enough reason for her to embark on this amazing endeavour of helping people with medical facilities. 

In an interview with The News Minute, Suma spoke about how pollution became the cause of the respiratory problem for her as she said: “Pollution in the city was one thing I was always concerned about. When Kochi Metro construction kicked off in the city, many residents, including me, were having respiratory problems. And so, after my parents’ death, I set up a mini garden in their house.”

Suma has helped quite a lot of people with her initiative until now and we hope she becomes a saviour for several others.