Temple Flower Recycling Project
The Problem
Floral waste has emerged as a significant concern in India, and its magnitude is expected to magnify in the coming years due to the rapid growth of the floriculture market. Currently, the annual flower production in India stands at an impressive 2,785,000 metric tons (MT), with the floriculture market projected to exhibit a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1% from 2019 to 2024.
The cultural and religious significance of flowers in Indian society is profound, permeating various aspects of life, including aesthetics, social gatherings, and religious rituals. Remarkably, religious festivals alone consume an astonishing amount of flowers, with around 800 million tonnes being offered in temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and other places of worship nationwide annually. Regrettably, this fervent devotion and usage often lead to a substantial accumulation of floral waste.
The improper disposal of floral waste yields dire environmental consequences. A staggering eight million tonnes of flowers, along with the toxic residues of pesticides and insecticides employed during cultivation, are discarded into rivers annually. This unsettling practice significantly contributes to water pollution, exacerbating the distressing state of already polluted rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Godavari, Shipra, Kaveri and their tributaries. The indiscriminate deposition of floral waste into rivers, oceans, and other water bodies severely impacts ecosystems and the organisms dwelling within them, with floral waste being accountable for approximately 16% of the total river pollutants.
The chemical composition of flower waste varies depending on the type of flower. Flower waste is composed of high lignocellulose, cellulose, crude proteins, crude fibers, essential oils, and nitrogen-bearing compounds.
The ecological ramifications of floral waste are not confined to water pollution. The direct introduction of floral waste into the environment precipitates ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss, and contamination of air, land, and water resources. The application of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in flower cultivation poses considerable hazards to the environment, contributing to soil and water pollution.
Beyond environmental implications, there are significant social effects tied to floral waste. The prodigious quantities of floral waste generated during religious ceremonies and weddings can lead to public inconvenience, as it is frequently haphazardly strewn in public spaces or obstructs sewage systems. The chemicals employed in flower cultivation can also induce adverse health effects in individuals who consume them, either directly or indirectly. The flower waste is also linked to contracting dysentery, cholera, hepatitis, and severe diarrhea.
Addressing the multifaceted challenge of floral waste mandates a comprehensive approach encompassing the promotion of responsible waste management practices, the cultivation of recycling and upcycling initiatives, and the augmentation of public and industry awareness regarding the adverse environmental and social consequences of improper disposal. Through the adoption of sustainable practices and the development of innovative solutions, India can curtail the detrimental impacts of floral waste and champion a cleaner and healthier environment for its populace
The Solution
The primary objective of our initiative is to establish an efficient system for the collection and recycling of used flowers, thereby creating a sustainable source of floral recycling. By repurposing these discarded flowers, we not only reduce environmental waste but also contribute to the preservation of our precious planet. The project serves a dual purpose of effective waste management and the promotion of eco-pilgrimage tourism, providing devotees with an innovative way to connect with nature and spirituality.
Through our streamlined approach, we have optimized the process of recycling floral waste, ensuring faster and more efficient material conversion. By harnessing the inherent beauty and essence of the collected flowers, we create exquisite home decor products that hold profound sentimental value for devotees. These unique items serve as cherished mementos, forever reminding individuals of their sacred visit to the magnificent religious temple.
The utilization of flower waste in the creation of home decor products offers a diverse range of sustainable alternatives to existing offerings. We firmly believe in the importance of preserving our natural resources and minimizing waste. By transforming floral waste into eco-friendly decor items, we actively contribute to the growth of a circular economy, where materials are repurposed and granted a new lease of life.
Beyond the positive impact on the environment, this initiative generates significant socio-economic benefits as well. Local communities actively participate in the collection and processing of floral waste, creating employment opportunities and fostering skill development. This not only bolsters the local economy but also empowers individuals to embrace entrepreneurship and adopt sustainable practices in their lives.
Our Services
Floral waste management setup and streamlining.
The team analyses the patterns and characteristics of waste discharge from its contributors – the Floral Waste Contributors (FWCs). Overcoming the challenge of effective segregation, Eco Eclectic Tech provides FWCs with specialised containers to sort and store floral waste until the designated collection day. Subsequently, the team at Eco Eclectic Tech collaborates with FWCs to arrange convenient pickup schedules, ensuring that the accumulated waste is transported to our processing facility.
We offer a variety of models tailored to different FWC scenarios, including the option to establish and manage on-site waste processing units within their own premises.
Whether you're involved in floral waste generation or require assistance in the management of such waste, we encourage you to reach out to us without delay. Our comprehensive solutions are designed to address your floral waste concerns effectively.
Floral waste conversion into eco product
Eco Eclectic Tech pioneers the transformation of flower waste into exquisite handmade eco-products, breathing new life into discarded floral remnants. In contrast to previous practices such as composting and making incense sticks, which offered limited solutions on a mass scale, our founder Dr. Binish Desai's innovative breakthrough introduces a new material that revolutionizes waste management. Through innovative techniques and sustainable practices, we harness the beauty of nature's offerings to craft stunning creations, including intricately designed pooja thalis, radiant lamps, and cherished memorabilia. Our artisans skillfully repurpose flower waste, imbuing each piece with a sense of purpose and eco-conscious elegance. By seamlessly merging technology with creativity, we not only reduce waste but also empower communities and promote a greener lifestyle. Embrace the charm of our eco-products, where the remnants of blossoms find a remarkable second act, radiating beauty and environmental responsibility.
All temples and religious places of worship
We gather floral tributes from diverse places of worship – temples, mosques, churches – transforming them into our unique creations. Our goal is to establish a system where devotees contribute by crafting products from floral waste brought to the center from the designated boxes in temples, experiencing the joy of creative service and receiving these items as blessed offerings, a true 'prashad' to cherish.
Ganesh Pandals and even Durga Pandals
We gather flowers from Ganesh pandals and households during celebrations, with collection drives at iconic locations like Lalbagh Cha Raja pandal in Mumbai, as well as multiple pandals in Surat and Valsad.
Puja events and tieups with Panditji
We're partnering with Panditjis to collect post-puja flower waste like from Satyanarayan pujas, diverting them from rivers. These Eco Pandits earn points, promoting environmental service, and can access this card-based initiative even in remote areas, and shops of puja samagris and groceries.
Wedding and other events
Turning love into sustainable art, we adorn weddings with floral decor, repurposing blooms into Eco Eclectic Tech's innovative gifts. Our process collects and recycles these flowers, allowing guests to take eco-friendly keepsakes home. Enhancing weddings, we conserve the environment by repurposing blooms into lasting mementos, embodying love and sustainability.
Flower waste from floral markets
Eco Eclectic Tech collects and repurposes surplus floral materials, including unused flowers, stem cuttings, and other market-generated waste, transforming them into sustainable eco-products. We contribute to a greener future by recycling these resources creatively.
The Process
Nirmal Nirmaan : Mahakaleshwar Temple Eco Project
Eco Eclectic Tech, in collaboration with the Government of Madhya Pradesh and Madhav Science College Ujjain, has successfully launched an innovative initiative to tackle the issue of floral waste generated from the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. With the leadership invention and creativity of Dr. Binish Desai, renowned as the Recycle Man of India and Chairperson of Eco Eclectic Tech group, and the dedicated ground execution efforts of Prof. Arpan Bhardwaj, Regional Additional Director of Ujjain Division Department of Higher Education, MP, Bhopal, along with the invaluable support from Dr. Mohan Yadav, Honorable Minister for Higher Education, Government of MP, Bhopal, this project has become a reality.
अयं निर्वहतु प्रदूषितानि भूतानि,
पुनः परिणमयतु शुद्धजले जलधिष्ण्यः।
वायुरपि शुद्धिम् अपि प्रददातु योग्ये,
ततः प्रजाति तरले धरायां समुद्रः॥
May this effort carry away the polluted elements,
May it transform them into pure water, O reservoir of water.
May the air also grant its purification,
Thereby the ocean of Earth becomes vibrant again.