Our Programs

Environment Program

India generates 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, and the availability of affordable alternatives remains a challenge.

Our environment initiative provides the necessary support for enterprising, rural women to lead microenterprises of eco-friendly products that generate consistent income, employ more women, and form a part of the local circular economy.

How the model works

Few women in Ayodhya do paid work, mostly as teachers or in government-related services. Not many meaningful work opportunities close to home exist. Despite limitations, they have an enterprising attitude - picking up skills like sewing or leaf plate-making, and wanting to turn it into a reliable income stream.

However, earning a livelihood isn't simply about learning a marketable skill. It's also about having market connections, initial investment, and guidance to grow your entrepreneurial side. This is the kind of scaffolding support we provide as part of Sarthi, to help women start microenterprises based on eco-friendly products.

The approach is to identify and nurture enterprising women, facilitate market linkages (with the support of a technical partner), and provide initial raw material and investment support. This creates more opportunities as a microenterprise owner employs more craftspeople.

It also aligns with Ayodhya's rise as a tourist destination, where you can replace single-use plastics with locally made, sustainable alternatives such as bajra (millet) or rice husk cups and bowls, areca and sal leaf plates, jute and cloth bags, handmade paper packaging, terracotta souvenirs and utility items, coconut shell or bamboo containers, and natural fiber Rakhi and festive décor.

These products, created and consumed in Ayodhya, celebrate what's local, sustainable, and handmade.