Jasmin Jagada and Nivedita Magar, the dynamic duo behind The Green Chokrees, are united by their shared love for mindful living and their deep connection to Goa. They moved to the serene village of Siolim over 15 years ago, captivated by its old-world grace. Over the years, they witnessed Goa’s transformation and felt a growing need to preserve its beauty by championing sustainable practices. With their passion for eco-friendly living and a commitment to reducing waste, they created Green Chokrees, a zero-waste, eco-conscious grocery store that reflects their belief in living harmoniously with nature.
“A decade and a half ago, we found ourselves drawn to the quiet rhythms of Siolim. Back then, the village was different—untouched by the rush of the world outside. There was one ATM, if you could even call it that, and the old grain store near the church was where everyone gathered. It was charming in its simplicity, where rice and lentils were scooped into brown paper bags, and the shopkeeper always had time for a story.
We didn’t realise it then, but those early days planted a seed in us. There was something magical about a life less hurried, less cluttered. We knew we wanted to hold on to that. Over time, as Goa began to grow and change, we couldn’t help but notice the waste piling up. Plastic everywhere. Siolim’s quaint old ways seemed to be slipping away, and we couldn’t just stand by and watch.
That’s how Green Chokrees was born—not just a store, but a promise. A promise to this land that welcomed us, to the people who share it with us, and to ourselves. We wanted to bring back the joy of mindful living, the joy of knowing exactly what goes into your food, and how it’s packed. Paper bags, glass jars, even your own containers—why not? Why not make this little change if it can ripple into something larger?
Goa, as always, surprised us. The community here was ready, more than ready, for a movement like this. Vegan cheeses, kombucha, nut butters—each one crafted with care by local hands. Every time someone walks in with their own container, or pauses to chat about how much they loved a new product, we know we’re doing something right.
This space, nestled in a Goan-Portuguese home, is more than a shop for us. It’s a reminder of the life we chose and the values we believe in. It’s a love letter to the Siolim we first fell for. It is also a community space where conscious living thrives. Beyond providing eco-friendly groceries, it serves as a testing ground, learning space, and launching platform for local makers. Pooja Masurkar of Mountain Muse and Borro Gelatos, a talented chef, often tries out new recipes here, while Franciska of Sattva Living supplies fresh edible plants, handmade soaps without lye, and ocean-friendly bioenzyme cleaners. These makers, who might otherwise struggle to reach consumers, are connected directly to people who care deeply about what they create. By fostering these relationships, Green Chokrees helps bridge the gap between thoughtful production and mindful consumption, creating a vibrant, sustainable ecosystem in the heart of Goa.
Sometimes, late at night, we think about where this journey will take us. We think of a future where zero-waste living isn’t a niche idea, but the norm. Where the balance we see in Goa’s sunsets and swaying palms reflects the balance in how we live. Until then, we’ll keep working, one jar, one bag, one conversation at a time.
After all, Green Chokrees is more than a business—it’s a way of giving back to the land that gave us so much.”