“Grandma’s Green Weave A Saree to Sustain” initiative by Manya Harsha has pioneered a unique community-driven approach to promote sustainability in Bengaluru. Through their innovative Saree Collection Drive, they have successfully engaged over 5,000 residents from various apartment complexes, collecting over 1,400 discarded sarees and 300 bedspreads. These donated materials are then creatively recycled into vibrant, eco-friendly bags, which are distributed to street vendors and local market stallholders.
Inspired by her late grandmother, V Rudramma. Manya launched her dream project, “Grandma’s Green Weave,” on the first death anniversary of her grandmother in November 2023. Within just one and a half years, she successfully upcycled old sarees into sustainable bags and distributed 19,000 of them to local street vendors in Bengaluru markets. This initiative is a tribute to her grandmother, utilizing her used sarees to create eco-friendly bags. Manya’s passion for environmental activities stems from her grandmother, who has been her main source of inspiration. Through her Sunshine Children For Change program, Manya has distributed nearly 25,000 sustainable bags over seven years, with 19,000 bags being part of the Grandma’s Green Weave Campaign. Prior to this, Manya used to make and distribute bags made from newspapers to local vendors, promoting environmental awareness among the masses.
By providing a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics, “Grandma’s Green” has effectively reduced plastic waste by 30% in these areas.Furthermore, the initiative has promoted sustainable living practices, reducing carbon footprint by 70% and water waste by 50%. Moreover, the initiative has fostered community bonding, by encouraging young and old, actively participating in the drive.
Through workshops and awareness programs, “Grandma’s Green Weave A SAREE TO SUSTAIN” has educated thousands of street vendors on sustainable living practices, empowering Bengalureans to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles.14 yr old Bengaluru girl, Manya Harsha’s “Grandma’s Green WEAVE” project is a groundbreaking initiative transforming sarees into sustainable bags, combatting plastic waste. Launched in fond memory of her grandmother, this project has upcycled 1400 sarees into 19,000 eco-friendly bags, distributing them to thousands of Bengaluru’s street vendors.
Self-funded through award money and savings, Manya’s innovative approach promotes sustainability, inspiring a plastic-free future. This remarkable project embodies the spirit of environmental stewardship, deserving recognition for its impactful contribution to a greener tomorrow.
This project, when expanded on a larger scale , can make a huge difference to fabric waste and also cater the needs of street vendors, by replacing single use plastic bags by sustainable saree bags.
The project can add to some revenue of local tailors who come forward to collaborate with the project.
14 yr old young climate activist, Manya Harsha dreams of a Green and clean Bengaluru free from Plastic bags and plastic pollution through her Grandmas Green Weave Project.
