Repurposing waste into valuable products has been gaining momentum in the country. This approach not only promotes reuse but also creates income-generating opportunities. In Thimphu, a three-week long training programme aimed at empowering women to transform waste into valuable resources was conducted recently.
One of the participants is Chogyel Lhamo. She is learning how to weave mats and bags out of waste.
The training was designed to provide participants with skills for more effective management of plastic waste, while also finding economic opportunities.
“I came to realise that this waste is not just trash, it holds value and economic potential. I believe there are economic opportunities in working with waste. We do not have to invest anything. We can recycle and reuse the waste that is abundantly available. This can also contribute to reducing waste pollution.”
Women clients of RENEW and single mothers also participated in the training, joining efforts to create economic value from waste.
SHE-cycle Solutions, a woman-led firm conducted the training.
Chogyal Lhamo, founder of SHE-cycle Solutions said “The primary objective of the training was to reduce plastic waste. One of our new initiatives involves making bags from old clothes. During our visits to waste disposal areas, we noticed not only plastic waste but also a significant amount of discarded clothes. This led us to explore ways to reuse these materials.”
According to the Bhutan Ecological Society, the initiative aims to enhance women’s capacities, encouraging them to take the lead in addressing plastic pollution, while also creating opportunities for income generation.
The training was organised as a part of the Bhutan Ecological Society’s “Reimagining Effective Partnerships for Tackling Plastic Waste and River Pollution” project.
Deki Lhazom
Edited by Tshering Zam
