In India’s bustling streets, abject poverty pushes millions into informal labour. Rohini, a determined rag picker, collects discarded plastic to support her family. Her work is gruelling and thankless, but she finds meaning in it every piece of plastic she picks up could be transformed into something useful, and more importantly, helps her earn her next meal.
Rohini is one of an estimated 15 lakh waste pickers in India who make a bare living by salvaging recyclables and selling them to scrap dealers. Women like her are doubly marginalised trapped at the intersection of economic hardship and deep-rooted gender inequality.
The situation is further worsened by the harsh realities waste picker households face deep economic insecurity, limited access to education, and the heartbreaking reliance on child labour. Children like Anil often end up picking plastic alongside their parents, robbed of their childhood and denied the chance to go to school.
The plastic Rohini collects is recycled into fabric, and skilled women artisans like Alka stitch it into durable grow bags. These bags nurture life in gardens, bringing greenery to urban spaces and hope to those who tend them. The women artisans are not just crafters — they’re change-makers, promoting sustainable living and reducing plastic waste. As they work, they’re not just stitching bags they’re weaving a narrative of financial independence, dignity, and pride.
Rohini’s story is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to persevere in the face of adversity. Despite the harsh realities of her environment and the struggles of poverty, she finds strength in her work. Her resilience inspires us to rethink waste and find value in the discarded. Behind every grow bag is a story of determination and hard work. Rohini’s journey shows us that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope for transformation and growth.
ASG Hope and Heal Foundation salutes the indomitable courage and unwavering determination of ragpickers like Rohini. Let’s join hands to improve their lives by creating meaningful work opportunities and sustainable livelihoods for many more.
According to estimates, over six crore children work in the informal sector as child labourers many of them earning meagre wages and engaged in hazardous tasks like plastic picking. This harsh reality demands urgent action. By supporting the Foundation, you can help create opportunities for these children to break free from the vicious cycle of poverty and move towards a safer, more stable, and dignified future.
Will you join hands 🤝with us to help rewrite the story of Rohini and countless others transforming waste into hope, and struggle into triumph?
Proceeds from grow bag sales will support Rozgar initiatives, creating jobs and strengthening communities.
1. Eco-friendly
2. Breathable
3. Reusable
4. Durable
1. Improved plant health
2. Increased yields
3. Reduced waste
1. Home gardening
2. Urban agriculture
Fabric grow bags made from recycled plastic offer a unique combination of sustainability, durability, and plant health benefits.
You can create this change and your support will make a difference
