Sustainability is nothing but a way of living, and across India women are at the forefront to change our relationship with earth. From supporting local economy to embracing renewable energy such actions are creating a ripples of environmental and societal benefits. We look at four main eco-friendly practices—local shopping, composting, harvesting rainwater, and solar energy—and feature women in action to propel the movement in these areas.

1. Shop Local: Empowering Communities and Reducing Carbon Footprints

The shopping local trend has picked up within the past few years, both as a way to support small businesses and as a means to achieve sustainability. It can significantly reduce the carbon footprint if consumers choose to buy locally made products over mass-produced goods.

Why Shop Local?

Local products travel shorter distances, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
It helps boost the local economy and sustains livelihoods, especially in rural areas.
Local artisans mostly adopt traditional and eco-friendly modes of production.

Women on Top

Women have been an integral part of this movement. In rural India, women-led self-help groups manufacture handwoven textiles, organic skincare products, and traditional foods. They promote sustainable living and earn money by selling them at farmers’ markets or online. Women in the cities increasingly buy locally sourced food, handmade goods, and ethical fashion.

For instance, “Mahila Haat” enables women entrepreneurs to promote their local products. Women also act as an informed customer who makes the family realize the benefits of choosing locals over globals.

2. Composting: Turning Waste into Gold

Composting is simple and effective management of organic waste and soil enrichment. Composting diverts biodegradable waste from landfills, reducing methane emission, a potent greenhouse gas.

The Significance of Composting

• Converts kitchen and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost for plants.
• Reduces dependency on chemical fertilizers, promotes organic farming.
• Reduces waste management costs and landfill space.

Role of Women in Composting
In Indian households, women are traditionally in charge of managing kitchen waste. This positions them uniquely to champion composting initiatives. Many women have started community composting projects, educating neighbors on segregation and composting techniques. Organizations like “Daily Dump,” started by a woman entrepreneur, have made composting accessible through innovative and aesthetic composting solutions.

In rural areas, women farmers use compost to enrich their crops, reduce costs, and improve yields. In the process, they also instill sustainable habits in the next generation.

Read more about how to do organic composting at home.

3. Rainwater Harvesting: Reviving a Traditional Practice

India’s monsoon-dependent water supply has made rainwater harvesting an age-old practice. This simple technique involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use, reducing reliance on groundwater and preventing urban flooding.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting

• Provides an additional source of water, particularly in areas with drought-prone conditions.
• Replenishes groundwater and reduces soil erosion.
• Saves money on water bills and secures water.

Women as Water Guardians
Women, being primarily tasked with childcare, are naturally vulnerable to the effects of water shortage. They have been able to become natural ambassadors of rainwater harvesting as well. In Rajasthan, a dry state, women revive the traditional ‘Johads’ or small earthen dams to store rainfall. These structures ensure replenishment of aquifers along with providing drinking water and irrigation.

They install rainwater harvesting systems in housing societies and schools. They are holding workshops on water conservation with an aim to spread the message and encourage action. Women-led initiatives like this have shown how grassroots can improve water management significantly.

4. Solar Energy: Lighting Up Lives Sustainably

This transition by the world to renewable energy resulted in the establishment of solar energy, which has been a clean, affordable, and sustainable solution. Solar energy brings electricity to remote areas because it doesn’t rely much on fossil fuels.

Benefits of Solar Energy

•  Combats climate change and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.
•  Lowers bills for electricity and gives individuals independence with energy.
•  Encourages clean solutions for sustainable energy.

Women as Solar Warriors

Women in India are leading the adoption of solar energy in urban and rural areas. Organizations like “Barefoot College” can train rural women to act as solar engineers, meaning they can install and take care of the solar panels in their villages. So, these “Solar Mamas” not only enlighten their community but are also able to earn an income through their skills.

In urban areas, women embrace solar water heaters and rooftop solar panels for their households, which reduces their carbon footprint. They also take part in decision-making for families by pushing for the investment in renewable energy sources. In this way, women are leading the drive toward a cleaner future, making solar energy the new norm.

Women-Led Sustainability: Creating Social and Economic Ripple Effects

Women’s involvement in these environmentally friendly practices produces social and economic ripple effects besides environmental impacts.
Economic Empowerment: Women-led initiatives create income and encourage entrepreneurship.
Community Building: Involvement of women in sustainability promotes teamwork and group action.
Education: Women educate families and communities on living sustainably and passing on the legacy.

 How You Can Join the Movement

If you’re inspired by these stories, here are ways to get involved:

• Shop Local: Support women entrepreneurs and local artisans by choosing handmade, sustainable products.
• Start Composting: Start with a simple home composting system and encourage others to do the same.
• Harvest Rainwater: Install a rainwater harvesting system in your home or community.
• Switch to Solar: Explore solar energy options for your household or workplace.

The journey toward a sustainable future is a collective effort, but women are undoubtedly leading the charge. By embracing practices such as shopping local, composting, rainwater harvesting, and solar energy, women are showing that sustainability is not a choice but a responsibility. Their efforts are creating a more resilient, equitable, and eco-friendly world, one small step at a time. Let us celebrate and support these changemakers as they continue to inspire and lead the way to a greener tomorrow.