Introduction:
On the banks of the Ganges in Kanpur, India, a quiet revolution is blooming. In 2015, childhood friends Ankit Agarwal and Karan Rastogi launched Help Us Green, a social enterprise that’s tackling river pollution, creating sustainable products, and empowering local women—all by recycling discarded temple flowers. Their journey from a small-scale experiment to a thriving social business showcases the power of innovation in addressing environmental and social challenges.
A Moment of Clarity: The Birth of an Idea
Ankit Agarwal’s path to becoming a social entrepreneur began with a moment of clarity on the banks of the Ganges. While hosting a visiting friend, he witnessed truckloads of temple flowers being dumped into the already polluted river. This sight sparked an idea that would soon blossom into a full-fledged mission to clean the Ganges and create positive change in his community.
Realizing that these flowers, often laden with pesticides and chemicals, were contributing to the pollution of the sacred river, Ankit saw an opportunity to transform waste into something valuable. This moment of realization marked the beginning of a journey that would lead to the creation of Help Us Green.
From Concept to Creation: The Early Days of Help Us Green
Teaming up with his childhood friend Karan Rastogi, Ankit embarked on an 18-month research project to explore ways to repurpose flower waste. They consulted with botanists, farmers, temple committees, and fertilizer manufacturers to understand the scope of the problem and the potential for flower recycling. After months of experimentation, they developed their first product: Mitti, an organic vermicompost made from flower waste and other natural ingredients.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. Initially, many people were skeptical of their idea. Ankit’s mother exclaimed, “Now they will leave their jobs and collect flowers!” Karan’s family tried to dissuade him from pursuing this unconventional path. But the duo remained undeterred, driven by their vision of a cleaner Ganges and a more sustainable future.
Scaling Up: Innovation and Sustainability
As they refined their processes and expanded their product line, Help Us Green faced the challenge of scaling up while maintaining their commitment to sustainability and social impact. They developed innovative solutions, such as creating seed paper packaging that could be planted after use, ensuring that even their product wrappers contributed to a greener environment.
Their dedication to sustainability extended beyond just recycling flowers. Ankit and Karan were determined to build a business model that was environmentally responsible at every stage. This commitment to innovation and sustainability became a cornerstone of Help Us Green’s operations.
Empowering Women: A New Chapter of Hope
One of the most significant achievements of Help Us Green has been its impact on local women’s lives. The company has provided employment to over 79 women from underprivileged backgrounds, many of whom previously worked as manual scavengers or toilet cleaners. These women now work in a clean, dignified environment, receive health insurance, and earn a steady income that allows them to send their children to school.
This aspect of their work not only contributes to the well-being of these women and their families but also challenges societal norms by offering them a chance to escape the cycle of poverty and gain respect in their communities. Help Us Green has become a beacon of hope for many women in the region, offering them a path to a better future.
Reducing Pollution: Environmental Impact of Flowercycling
The company’s innovative “flowercycling” process has also made significant strides in reducing pollution in the Ganges. By 2016, Help Us Green had recycled 135,000 kilograms of flower waste, preventing harmful pesticides and chemicals from entering the river. Their products, including incense sticks and organic fertilizer, have gained popularity both in India and internationally, with a focus on export markets in Switzerland and Germany.
This environmental impact is at the heart of Help Us Green’s mission. By turning waste into useful products, they are not only cleaning up the Ganges but also promoting a more sustainable way of living. Their efforts have garnered attention and support from environmentalists and consumers alike, further fueling their growth.
Milestones and Achievements: The Journey So Far
Help Us Green’s journey has been marked by significant milestones that underscore their commitment to social and environmental change. Here are some key events in their inspiring journey:
- 2013: Ankit Agarwal returns to Kanpur and conceptualizes the idea of Help Us Green.
- 2015: Help Us Green officially launches.
- 2015: Wins multiple awards, including the ISB iDiya Challenge and IIT Kanpur Social Challenge.
- 2016: Recycles 135,000 kg of flower waste and employs women from 85 families.
- 2020: Sets a goal to employ 5,000 women and expand to major temples across India.
Each of these milestones reflects the dedication and hard work of Ankit, Karan, and their team. Their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve these goals is a testament to the power of social entrepreneurship.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Help Us Green
As Help Us Green continues to grow, expanding its operations along the Ganges and developing new products like biodegradable Flora foam, it serves as an inspiring example of how social enterprises can drive positive change. By turning waste into opportunity, empowering marginalized communities, and preserving a sacred natural resource, Help Us Green is not just cleaning a river—it’s nurturing hope for a more sustainable and equitable future.
Their story offers valuable lessons in social entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation. Ankit and Karan’s journey demonstrates the power of identifying overlooked environmental issues and developing creative solutions that address multiple challenges simultaneously. Their success highlights the importance of thorough research, perseverance in the face of skepticism, and a commitment to both environmental and social impact.
As they look to the future, Ankit and Karan remain focused on their mission to create a cleaner, greener, and more equitable world. Their work with Help Us Green continues to inspire others to think creatively about how they can contribute to a more sustainable future, one flower at a time.
