How Young Environmentalits Are Helping Convert Fabric Waste Into Trendy Bags in India

By Obiabin Onukwugha

In Mylapore, India, four environmental enthusiasts are contributing significantly to a clean and safe environment through converting fabric waste to trendy bags under an initiative.

The environmentalists, who represent four resident welfare associations; Sumithra Srikanth, Ganga Sridhar, K.L. Balasubramaniam and C.R. Ashok, are behind this initiative, which is run under the banner of Eco Konnecters. The aim is to prevent fabric waste from ending up in landfills.

United by a shared goal of reducing plastic use and promoting effective waste management, the four came together to start this non-profit in 2018.

“We met during Solid Waste Management (SWM) campaigns and decided to start this non-profit in 2018 to educate people about proper waste management practices. HelpHer began in 2019 with two main goals: protecting the environment and providing jobs to women in need,” says Ganga Sridhar, an active member of Mandaveli Raja Street RWA.

Sumithra is a member of the Malligai Avenue Residence Ward Association, Balasubramaniam is part of the RK Nagara Association and C.R. Ashok is associated with the Ranga Road RWA.

Once the fabric waste is collected they are sent to at least five self help groups across the city.

“Women skilled in tailoring are engaged in stitching bags. Once the bags are ready, we collect and sell them. The earnings go directly to the SHGs, helping them improve their lives,” said Ganga, in a recent interview, adding that furniture outlets in south Chennai, especially OMR are their main suppliers.

The team, it was learnt, is currently working on introducing new designs, including sling bags and handbags. “We want people to use these bags instead of plastic or paper bags, both of which harm the environment. We’re also reaching out to wedding planners to encourage the use of upcycled cloth bags for thamboolam instead of the so-called ‘biosafe’ polypropylene bags, which aren’t truly safe for the environment,” Ganga was further quoted as saying.

According a hindu.com report, Eco Konnecters recently set up a stall at the annual general body meeting of Raja Annamalai Puram Residents’ Association (RAPRA), where they showcased a variety of bags ranging from ₹25 to ₹300.

The trust, according to the media report, directly supports five women who are not part of any SHG. One of them is a widow who lost her husband to cancer and has a daughter to care for. Another beneficiary is a driver’s wife working hard to support her family. The members maintain close communication with these women, providing them with continuous support.

“It’s heartening to see these women sending their daughters to school with the income they earn from stitching. It makes a real difference in their lives. Through our trust, we ensure these women can earn enough to educate their daughters,” she saif.

Sumithra, however, noted the challenges of sourcing materials from the furniture outlets, saying the fabric samples often come with strong pins and tough-to-remove tags.