Amita Deshpande Founded in 2015, Recharkha is a transformative initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development through waste management, rural employment for women, and conscious consumerism. By crafting beautiful products from non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic waste, handmade by rural artisans using traditional charkha and handloom techniques, we strive to create clean, sustainable communities. Our NGO, My EcoSocial Planet, not only focuses on upcycling plastics—ranging from multi-layered packaging to old cassette tape films—but also promotes awareness around waste reduction and proper recycling practices. Operating without electricity or harmful chemicals, our circular production model encourages consumers to return products for further upcycling. Each unique item we create, from bags to home decor, reflects the artistry of our artisans while serving as a reminder for consumers to refuse, reduce, and reuse plastic, ultimately fostering a more mindful approach to consumption.

The idea for reCharkha was conceived in 2015, driven by my passion for sustainable development. I focused on three key issues: waste management, rural employment, particularly for women, and promoting conscious consumerism. To address these challenges, we decided to craft products from non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic waste, hand-made by rural women. By upcycling plastic through charkha and handloom techniques, we aim to promote clean, sustainable communities. While we cannot tackle the entire waste problem, our NGO, My EcoSocial Planet, fosters awareness around waste reduction and proper segregation to ensure it reaches the right recycling channels. Our responsible production process eliminates electricity and chemicals, and our circular approach allows our products to be returned for further upcycling. We utilise a variety of plastic waste, including multi-layered packaging, single-use bags, and even films from old cassette tapes. The process starts with collecting, washing, and sorting the plastic, which is then cut into strips and woven into fabric or crafted into baskets using origami techniques. Our product range includes bags, pouches, and home decor items, with each item reflecting the unique designs of our artisans. Despite challenges, such as sourcing uncontaminated plastic and building a dedicated team, we encourage consumers to refuse, reduce, and reuse before sending us their waste plastic. Our mission is to create conscious consumers and shift habits towards minimising disposable plastic use. Each product serves as a reminder of this goal.

UN SDG 11 Sustainable cities and communities
UN SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production