The Ganges, which is virtually synonymous with Indian civilization, is dying.
Every year 80,00,000 metric tonnes of waste flowers are dumped into river Ganges. Toxic Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium from the harmful farm-runoff, pesticides and insecticides used to grow flowers mixes with the river water making it highly poisonous (PH 6-8.5).
These major pollutants affect lives of 400 Million people -linked to contracting dysentery, cholera, hepatitis and severe diarrhea – which are the leading causes of child mortality across India and Bangladesh.
What’s the best we can do?
Feel sad.
And then, tweet about it.
Go on Facebook and tell the world, how this is harmful to the environment.
After a few likes and Retweets, go back to your regular life.
What’s the best an entrepreneur mind can do?
Look for a solution.
Look at this as a huge opportunity.
And start solving it.
And this is what a startup is doing with floral waste.
Startup, HelpUsGreen collects floral waste from the temples in Uttar Pardesh, thus preventing 7600 Kgs waste flowers and 97 Kgs toxic chemicals from getting into the river daily.
The waste is handcrafted by rural women SHGs (Self help groups) into patented organic fertilizer and incense sticks.
One of the coolest product the company has launched is Yagya – 100% chemical free incense sticks. The product is packed in a box that [mks_highlight color=”#eeee22″] grows into a Tulsi plant! [/mks_highlight]
So far, HelpusGreen has collected 3,35,000 kilograms of flowers from temples and mosques and has flowercycled them into organic products.
The team will soon launch no-chemical bathing bars and natural body cleaners.
Inspiring, isn’t it?
[Image credit]
