Tamil Nadu Handloom Weaver`s Co-operative Society Ltd, fondly referred to as `Co-optex` in the ongoing expo in the city has displayed a wide range of eco-friendly saris - eco-friendly because the fabric is dyed using natural/vegetable colours, looking at the growing consciousness of being `eco-friendly` and `going green, by women.

The cotton used for weaving the saris was cultivated without the use of fertilizers or pesticides for 3 years. This type of cotton is dubbed the `organic cotton` and when dyed with chemical-free natural or vegetable colours, the fabric becomes non-toxic, non-allergic and environment-friendly. These natural-dyed saris are intrinsically woven by traditional weavers from Negammam area of Coimbatore from the neighbouring district of Tamil Nadu.

The saris flaunt soothing colours, with an attractive border and a pallu. It takes minimum two days to weave each saree. These organic cotton saris are good for skin and are available in the range of Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 per saree. People have started opting for handmade textiles

Co-optex also has an exciting monthly saving scheme - `Kanasu Nanasu Scheme` under which customers can avail 58% additional benefit on their savings on joining the scheme that starts from Rs 100 onwards. The Tamil Nadu government has extended 20% rebate on silk and cotton varieties.

Co-optex has its showroom at Hotel Roopa Building on Balmatta Road in Mangaluru. In Bengaluru, Co-optex has 14 showrooms, including two new ones at Koramangala and Ulsoor. For online-savvy shoppers, the saris could also be purchased at www.cooptex.com