Sustainability has taken on far greater significance and visibility today compared to a few decades ago. As the impacts of climate change become increasingly apparent—ranging from extreme weather events to biodiversity loss—WeAct’s sustainable practices are shifting from being a niche lifestyle choice to a societal norm. Yet, amidst this growing awareness, it is easy to overlook certain habits in our daily lives that might contradict the principles of sustainability.
In India, women are often recognised as some of the most sustainable individuals in the world. They play a crucial role in fostering sustainable practices within their households and communities. From creatively repurposing leftover food to minimise waste to diligently recycling old clothes and other materials, WeAct women are at the forefront of championing a sustainable lifestyle. Their resourcefulness conserves resources and sets an example for future generations.
Moreover, many traditional practices upheld by WeAct women—such as communal sharing, home gardening, and careful consumption—embody principles of sustainability that have been passed down through generations. This deep-rooted knowledge and commitment to managing resources wisely highlight the integral role women play in promoting environmental stewardship.
Recognising and amplifying these contributions made by WeAct members is essential in the broader movement towards sustainability, as it encourages a more inclusive approach that honours diverse practices and perspectives.
Understanding Sustainability
Definition and Key Principles
Sustainability means fulfilling the needs of today while ensuring that future generations can also meet their own needs. It encompasses a holistic approach considering environmental health, social equity, and economic viability. The key principles of sustainability include:
Sustainable practices play a crucial role in promoting economic growth by creating a balance between economic development and environmental stewardship. Here are several ways in which sustainability contributes to economic growth:
- Innovation and Efficiency: Embracing sustainability often drives innovation, leading to the development of new technologies and processes that enhance efficiency. For example, e-commerce platforms can help WeAct members reach more customers.
- Cost Savings: Energy-efficient systems and waste reduction strategies lower operational costs and improve profitability.
- Market Opportunities: As consumer demand shifts towards sustainable products and services, WeAct members that adopt sustainable practices can tap into new markets, enhancing their competitive advantage.
- Social Responsibility: Businesses that prioritise sustainability often encourage stronger relationships with communities and stakeholders. This can lead to enhanced brand loyalty and a positive reputation, which are crucial for long-term success.
WeAct: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
WeAct is a pioneering initiative dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, support, and networks they need to succeed in today’s competitive business.
Recognising the unique challenges that women face in entrepreneurship, WeAct aims to create an inclusive ecosystem that fosters innovation, leadership, and financial independence among women. Through training programmes, mentorship,, and community building,
WeAct for Women Entrepreneurs
WeAct has made significant strides in empowering rural women entrepreneurs through various initiatives, yielding positive impacts in several key areas:
- Skills Development: WeAct offers tailored training programmes on digital and financial literacy that enhance women's business acumen, covering topics such as GST, e-commerce, and social media. Participants gain practical skills that increase their confidence and competence in running their businesses.
- Networking and Community Building: WeAct promotes a strong community of women entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, and mentorship. This sense of community provides emotional support and practical advice, helping women navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
- Increased Visibility: Through events, workshops, and online platforms, WeAct highlights the achievements of women entrepreneurs, raising their visibility in the business world. This recognition encourages more women to pursue entrepreneurship and inspires future generations.
Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Charge
Despite encountering numerous challenges, WeAct members remain committed to sustainable practices in their pursuit of delivering high-quality products. Their resilience and dedication reflect their passion for eco-friendly living, showcasing their ability to innovate and adapt in the face of adversity.
This unwavering spirit is exemplified by a diverse group of women entrepreneurs within WeAct, each contributing their unique talents and products while championing sustainability.
Ms. Pooja is an inspiring entrepreneur who founded two eco-friendly enterprises, Mahi Creations and Svarn Craft, both registered with WeAct. At Mahi Creations, she crafts a variety of sustainable products, including unique Ganesh idols made from rice grain, which offer a biodegradable alternative to traditional idols. She also creates items from cow dung, a renewable material gaining popularity for its eco-friendly benefits.
Under Svarn Craft, Ms. Pooja designs beautiful cotton dresses for women, using natural dyes to ensure vibrant colours free from harmful chemicals. Through her work, she promotes sustainable practices and traditional craftsmanship, providing eco-friendly alternatives while empowering her community.
Yashodhra, the founder of Ace Futura Naturo Tech Solutions, specialises in creating organic skin-care products that prioritise natural ingredients and sustainability. Her diverse range includes handmade soaps, shampoos, scrubs, and more, all crafted using home-grown raw materials. She ensures the effectiveness of her products and promotes eco-friendly practices that support health and wellbeing.
With the growing popularity of millet products, Ms. Uma seized the opportunity to create a line of nutritious millet bars in a variety of flavours and combinations, known as We-Mana. Her products include unique blends like flax seeds and dates bars, classic millet bars, and a delightful mix of pumpkin and cranberry. These bars are delicious and packed with health benefits, making them a wholesome snack option for healthy consumers looking to incorporate more nutritious ingredients into their diets.
Exploring Sustainable Practices Across WeAct Categories
Sustainable practices of WeAct members in the handloom and handicraft sectors play a vital role in promoting environmental stewardship, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting local economies. Here are some key sustainable practices that are being adopted in these industries:
- Use of Natural Fibres and Dyes: Our women artisans prioritise biodegradable materials like cotton and silk, along with natural dyes from plants, to minimise chemical use.
- Traditional Techniques: Employing age-old weaving and crafting methods reduces resource consumption and energy use, preserving cultural heritage.
- Local Sourcing of Materials: Using locally available raw materials lowers transportation emissions and supports community economies.
- Zero Waste Practices: WeAct women repurpose fabric scraps into new products, such as cloth bags. reducing waste and maximising material value.
- Supporting Certification Schemes: Certifications like Fair Trade and organic labelling promote adherence to sustainability standards.
Under the food and agro category, WeAct women produce multiple products, such as millet products, pickles, protein bars, etc. All the products under food and agro are organic and minimally processed.
Here are key practices specifically related to food and agricultural products:
WeAct members make high-quality, hand-made personal care products, including soap, face wash, shampoo, and other skin care essentials. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of home-grown aloe vera, essential oils, and other natural ingredients, ensuring that each product is effective and gentle on the skin.
Each item is carefully crafted to provide a skin-friendly alternative to commercial products, reflecting the WeAct members' passion for health, wellness, and environmental responsibility.
Throughout the production process, WeAct members prioritise sustainability in several ways:
- Local Sourcing: By growing their own ingredients, they reduce transportation emissions and support local biodiversity.
- Waste Reduction: They practice waste minimisation by repurposing leftover materials from production, such as using soap scraps in new formulations.
- Eco-Conscious Packaging: Whenever possible, they use recyclable or compostable packaging to lessen plastic waste.
- Community Engagement: By sharing their methods and encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices, they promote a culture of environmental responsibility within their community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the efforts of WeAct women entrepreneurs highlight the power of sustainability. Our eco-friendly practices across various sectors—from handloom and handicrafts to food and household supplies—are addressing the challenges posed by climate change, promoting economic growth and community resilience.
WeAct members’ commitment to using natural materials, supporting local economies, and promoting traditional knowledge demonstrates the integral role women play in leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.
As these entrepreneurs continue to innovate and inspire, WeAct is set to pave the way for a broader societal shift towards sustainability, encouraging others to join in this journey of environmental stewardship and conscious living.
References
https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/bloglist/blogs/sustainability-indian-landscape.html
https://glowprogramme.org/news-blogs/green-enterprises-are-empowering-marginalised-women-and-beating-plastic-pollution
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/entrepreneurship/sustainable-businesses-from-construction-to-cosmetics-women-entrepreneurs-lead-the-way/articleshow/90043896.cms?from=mdr
https://www.mycitylinks.in/the-bamboo-queen-transforms-lives-of-rural-women