This website serves as an archive of the projects and initiatives implemented under the auspices of the Sustainable Lifestyles and Education Programme of the UN One-Planet Network during the period of 2016 to 2022. The content presented here reflects the activities and outcomes of that specific timeframe.

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STATUS - completed
Community. Sustainable Business Models.
 Bangladesh . India .

Extending the Lifecycle of Paper and Textiles

Empowering women in the workforce while reducing urban climate footprints in India and Bangladesh

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In India and Bangladesh, the paper and textile industries are responsible for a significant amount of air pollution. As much of this pollution can be linked to how these products are consumed, this project set out to promote sustainable use – and reuse – of paper and textiles in Kolkata and Dhaka.  

The project empowered waste pickers, those working in the waste management and recycling sectors, many of whom are women. The project trained over 800 women on how to establish their own paper or textile recycling businesses. By selling their handmade recycled products, these women have benefited from a substantial increase in the stable income. They have also obtained official identification cards, which open the door to additional benefits and opportunities. More so, paper and textiles that would have once ended up in the landfill are now being turned into useful household products.

Alongside the recycling process an android mobile application was used by registered participants to track the reduction of landfill emissions due to extended life-cycles. Read more in our summary document, available above.

Implementing team

 

South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE)

 

 

 

The South Asian Forum for Environment is a registered civil society organization working at science-society interface towards sustainable environment development and poverty alleviation in the Indian ecoregion of South Asia since 2004.

SAFE was started to achieve sustainable environment development goals for poverty alleviation through empowerment, equity and reciprocity in the milieu of climate change in Indian ecoregion. It envisages global reciprocal partnership and participatory policy frame for ‘Biorights’ of commons to promote wise use of natural resources through community governance and inclusive growth for sustainable development.

The organization aims to address environmental issues especially with reference to water energy and food security through community based conservation initiatives for which it conducts action research at science-society interface for SDGs assuring alternative livelihood through risk spreading and coverage. It also aims to spread awareness and community preparedness for disaster mitigation and adaptive strategies for resilience to climate change among all stakeholders.

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