Driving Social Impact Through Green Jobs
Social Alpha’s Techtonics program (partnered with H&M Foundation) - Innovations in Circular Economy is on a mission to search for driven entrepreneurs, startups and innovators, who are solving some of humanity’s biggest challenges. A collaborative effort between Social Alpha and Saamuhika Shakti, the initiative aims to support circular economy startups that address the challenges faced by waste pickers, focusing on income stability and improved lives.
With a colossal impact, the program has touched nine startups, including Bare Necessities, who have implemented pilot programs, employing over 41 waste pickers, increasing their income and diverting over 4000 tonnes of waste from landfills. This translates to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions as well.
Impact on Bare Necessities:
Bare Necessities works to revolutionise the manufacturing industry, through our commitment to zero waste living. Our solutions target the root cause of waste, by addressing the flaws in manufacturing, distribution and consumption. We are bringing revolution to an industry that has seen none in over 30 years! As a winner of the Techtonics program, we were able to bring our powder-to-liquid range of homecare soaps to life.
One of the most important aspects of Bare Necessities is our all women manufacturing team, who are equally dedicated to a sustainable future. We work on creating a tangible social impact by virtue of our women run manufacturing team. And now, with the Techtonics program, we had the opportunity to bring some new blood in!
Story of Bare’s Waste Warrior, Chitra:
Previously a waste sorter with Hasiru Dala, Chitra joined Bare Necessities’ production and packaging processes. Her responsibility here included housekeeping, production tasks, packaging and labeling work.
Through her time at Bare Necessities, Chitra made real connections with her fellow team mates. She found herself a group of cheerleaders, who always nudged her to learn more.
Although Chitra has transitioned out of Bare Necessities, we have had many valuable lessons through this experience, which we are implementing to hire more waste warriors into our team.
Chitra’s story is a reminder that even small steps can lead to significant changes. She was the first waste warrior on our team and while that collaboration did not work out, she has certainly paved the way for many more to join our team.
Social Alpha’s Techtonics Program showcases the power of meaningful collaboration that pays off so beautifully.