Several women-led startups are pioneering the way towards sustainable living, in a nation grappling with the monumental challenge of plastic waste, According to a June 2018 report by Down To Earth, backed by research from the PlastIndia Foundation, India consumes an estimated 16.5 million tonnes of plastic annually. Alarmingly, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) states that 43 percent of this is dedicated to single-use packaging. This packaging often ends up in landfills, drains, or the ocean, wreaking havoc on wildlife and human health alike.
While it’s undeniable that large corporations contribute significantly to plastic pollution, individual actions at home also play a crucial role in mitigating this crisis. In response, several women-led startups are offering eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives to plastic products. Here are five remarkable ventures leading the change:
1. Everwards India
Founded in 2018 by Veena Balakrishnan and Sudarshana Pai, Everwards India offers over 40 eco-friendly alternatives for everyday products. Based in Chennai, the startup’s inventory includes pencils made from recycled newspaper, bamboo toothbrushes, copper water bottles, silicone menstrual cups, and cloth sanitary napkins. They also provide sustainable body care products like handmade soap and powder shampoo.
Veena and Sudarshana emphasize the use of local materials and the integration of local economies to reduce the carbon footprint. “Things used decades ago are coming back in trend,” they say. By reviving traditional materials and methods, Everwards India is also creating jobs for physically challenged individuals, economically disadvantaged communities, and artisans. Their products, priced between Rs 69 and Rs 1,679, cater to a broad demographic, focusing on affordability for millennials. Unique offerings include body scrubs made from coffee grounds, bags from scrap fabric, and cutlery from coconut shells.
2. Soapworks India
Harini Sivakumar, motivated by personal circumstances, founded Soapworks India in 2015. The Gurugram-based startup produces safe skincare products, nearly eliminating plastic from its operations. Priced between Rs 118 and Rs 2,189, their range includes cold-press soaps, body scrubs, butters, deodorants, facial oils and masks, shampoo bars, and lip balms. Soapworks also extends its eco-friendly ethos to accessories like bamboo straws, menstrual cups, and coconut wood cutlery.
Customers are encouraged to return empty bottles for responsible recycling, with the added incentive of cashback. Harini’s journey began with creating non-toxic body care products for her son, who was born with Down syndrome and was sensitive to harmful chemicals. The success of her homemade soaps among friends and family spurred the launch of Soapworks India. The company also supports women from economically weaker backgrounds and employs individuals with disabilities such as autism and Down syndrome.
3. TruCup
Founded with a vision of promoting sustainable menstrual health, TruCup is making waves in the eco-friendly product market. TruCup offers reusable menstrual cups that are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long run. The startup encourages customers to switch from single-use sanitary products to their durable, medical-grade silicone cups, which can last up to 10 years with proper care. This shift significantly reduces menstrual waste and promotes a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for women.
TruCup’s mission is to make menstrual health products accessible and environmentally responsible, with a focus on providing comfort and convenience for women. The initiative also involves educational programs to spread awareness about sustainable menstrual practices and the benefits of using reusable products. Their menstrual cups are priced affordably to ensure they are accessible to a wide range of customers.
4. Carmesi
Co-founded by Tanvi Johri and Rikshav Bohra in 2017, Delhi-based Carmesi manufactures sanitary napkins made from bamboo and cornstarch, free of harmful chemicals or synthetic components. The pads come with eco-friendly wrappers and disposal bags, ensuring minimal environmental impact. In addition to sanitary napkins, Carmesi offers biodegradable panty liners and a safe intimate cleanser.
Carmesi’s pads are priced between Rs 249 for a box of 10, and Rs 2,499 for a box of 120, and are available in two different sizes. Regular plastic-based pads take between 500 and 800 years to decompose and often cause rashes and discomfort. Tanvi Johri co-founded Carmesi with the goal of addressing these issues and providing women with a safer, more sustainable alternative.
These startups highlight a growing trend of environmentally-conscious entrepreneurship in India. They serve as beacons of hope in the fight against plastic pollution, demonstrating that sustainable living is not only possible but also practical and inclusive. Through their innovative products and community-centric approaches, these women-led ventures are driving a much-needed shift towards a greener future.
