Blog post by Gayatri Kale

We had the most amazing time learning how to make musical instruments out of surplus or waste items – with guidance from two talented musicians from Chile and Colombia! From simple household items like bottles, buckets, and rubber bands, we were able to create instruments that actually worked. Their passion and art reminded me so much of the street musicians I’ve seen in India, using everyday items like tyres, bottles, and tins to create the most beautiful rhythms.

Growing up in India, I still remember the Environmental Science classes where we’d learn how to reuse things, make simple crafts from waste, or step outside to explore the magic of plants and herbs. That spark of creativity and connection with nature stayed with me, quietly, somewhere in the background. And recently, during an event hosted by CEMVO Scotland and the Ethnic Minority Environmental Network, that childhood joy came alive once again.

This kind of creativity and resourcefulness is deeply rooted in many cultures, yet often overlooked. It aligns with the circular economy principle, keeping resources in use and out of landfills. But beyond that, it’s about valuing what we already have and finding peace in the process of making something with our hands.

As a Climate Ambassador, every event becomes a chance not just to learn, but to connect. I feel so lucky to be part of a community where my fellow ambassadors come from different corners of the world, from Indonesia, China, Scotland, Bangladesh, and India. We often end up sharing our traditions, our food, and stories of how sustainability is embedded in our cultures. That’s also the true beauty of being part of the Ethnic Minority Network, celebrating diversity while recognising the common threads that unite us.

Volunteering at this event gave me the chance to welcome participants, help set up tables for art and craft activities, and learn more about sustainability careers. These moments of service and connection always feel grounding. They remind me that sustainability is as much about community as it is about climate.

A particularly special moment for me was a walk through Castlemilk Park, as part of our Climate Ambassador activities. Surrounded by nature, I was taken back to my roots in Ayurveda, the Indian knowledge system that places great importance on plants and herbs for healing, cooking, and daily wellbeing. Seeing how plants are valued here in Scotland too made me feel at home. It was a quiet reminder that nature is a shared teacher, no matter where we come from.

Another unique experience was about the work of Tim Collins and Reiko Goto. Their practice of socially engaged environmental art, and their emphasis on empathic relationships with living systems, created a sense of peace. The way they use innovative tools like the HAKOTO instrument to translate the unseen processes of trees into sound is a fascinating approach that feels deeply meditative. The overall focus on ecological understanding and responsibility is a wonderful thing to contemplate

Inspired by these workshops and reflections, I’ve started an Instagram channel called @the_etravellerlens. Through it, I hope to raise awareness about sustainable tourism, share real stories from the places I visit, and encourage mindful ways of travelling that honour both people and the planet.

This journey has taught me that sustainability isn’t just about policies, it’s about pausing, reconnecting with nature, being creative, and embracing the joy of simple things while being inclusive in all forms. Whether it’s making music from recycled items, learning about local herbs on a walk, or exchanging stories across cultures, each moment carries meaning.

Thank you again to CEMVO Scotland, EMEN, and Zora Tamas for bringing together such a thoughtful and inspiring event. And to Scotland, for giving me the space to reflect, reconnect, and keep learning.