In a remarkable display of environmental stewardship, 14-year-old Manya Harsha has launched a pioneering initiative called “Grandma’s Green Weave A Saree to Sustain.” This community-driven approach promotes sustainability by collecting discarded sarees and bedspreads, creatively recycling them into vibrant, eco-friendly bags, and distributing them to street vendors and local market stallholders.
Through the Saree Collection Drive, over 5,000 residents from various apartment complexes have participated, collecting over 1,400 discarded sarees and 300 bedspreads. These materials have been upcycled into 19,000 eco-friendly bags, providing a sustainable alternative to single-use plastics. As a result, “Grandma’s Green” has effectively reduced plastic waste by 30% in areas where the bags were distributed. Additionally, the initiative has promoted sustainable living practices, reducing carbon footprint by 70% and water waste by 50%.
By educating over 20,000 individuals on sustainable living practices through workshops and awareness programs, “Grandma’s Green Weave” has empowered Bengaluruans to adopt environmentally conscious lifestyles. The initiative has also fostered community bonding, encouraging young and old to actively participate in the drive.
Manya launched her dream project, “Grandma’s Green Weave,” on the first death anniversary of her grandmother, V Rudramma, 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.
On this World Environment Day 2025 , Manya Harsha’s Grandmas Green Weave Campaign made a significant impact, distributing 2000+ sustainable bags to street vendors in JP Nagar and Jayanagar. With a strong message to #EndPlasticPollution, Grandmas Green Weave Campaign is a shining example of community-driven change, empowering individuals to make environmentally conscious choices and create a better tomorrow.
With its potential for large-scale impact, “Grandma’s Green Weave” can make a significant difference in reducing fabric waste and catering to the needs of street vendors by replacing single-use plastic bags with sustainable saree bags, ultimately inspiring a plastic-free future. Manya’s innovative approach promotes sustainability, and her project deserves recognition for its impactful contribution to a greener tomorrow.