Odisha students, SHG members turn waste recycling into income

How waste can be turned into wealth was seen at an exhibition put up on the occasion of the ‘Swachhata Hin Seva’ programme, organised by Padmapur Notified Area Council (NAC) in Bargarh district of Odisha. 

At the exhibition, the cynosures of all eyes were brooms and water filters prepared using discarded plastic bottles. These home-need products were made by a school student.

“I have made a water filter using discarded plastic bottles. Since it is small in size, we can carry it anywhere and have pure water at any time,” said Md. Tehsim, a student. 

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Various home-need articles like door mats, flowers, Ganesh idols, vanity bags and money purses were also in display at the exhibition. These items were prepared by the women of self-help groups by using old and tattered sarees, plastic bottles, wooden spoons and discarded papers.

“We have made a doormat from discarded sarees. We are selling it at Rs 50 to Rs 100, depending on its size and design. So we are not only recycling the waste materials but also generating income by doing so,” said Jyotsnamayee Kar, an SHG member.