Project Milestones
Himachal Pradesh
Pioneering waste solutions in high-altitude regions, from eco-tourism innovations in Kalga to glass bottle architecture in Manali.
Addressed the plastic waste crisis at The Gypsy House by converting discarded bottles and wrappers into eco-friendly BottleBricks, setting the tone for community-led environmental solutions in high-altitude regions.
- Created a permanent BottleBrick Drop Zone along trekking routes to Kheerganga and Bhunbhuni, enabling trekkers to deposit bricks made during their clean-up drives, directly reducing plastic leakage in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
- Built enduring relationships with local rag-pickers who collected pre-segregated recyclables, providing them a dignified income stream while ensuring efficient waste diversion from landfills.
Constructed a toilet where:
- Walls were made from BottleBricks filled with locally collected soft plastic.
- Flooring was made from recycled PET bottle caps, turning micro-plastic waste into durable construction material.
Currently building a public toilet for an under-construction parking space in Shanag Village to serve both residents and visitors.
Partnered with multiple cafés, homestays, and restaurants in Old Manali to collect empty glass bottles:
- Overcame the logistical challenge of non-motorable locations where waste transport by mule posed risks to animals.
- Bottles were safely transported to Shanag construction sites.
Used 825 glass bottles and a discarded tyre to construct a Greenaware lifestyle brand shop:
- Built on a previously unused cattle shed space.
- Combined traditional carpentry with waste-based building methods.
Trained local masons and carpenters in innovative, waste-based construction techniques.