Past Grantees - 2022

Khoriya ko Kaagaj seeks to empower the Chepang community in Makwanpur by upcycling discarded amriso stalks used in natural brooms into handmade paper. By utilizing their existing knowledge and skills, the project aims to provide additional income opportunities for the community. As an indigenous group highly vulnerable to climate change, the Chepang community relies on their close relationship with nature. Khoriya ko Kaagaj aims to establish a community-run, zero-waste business, utilizing the wasted stalks to strengthen community development. Video documentation of the project.

Bhwom, based in Bhaktapur, revitalizes Nepal's traditional lokta paper production. Previously diverse across 55 districts, it's now centred in Bhaktapur. Bhwom counters industrial dependency with new materials and a climate-resilient circular approach, mitigating environmental impact.Video documentation of the project. 

Gitta innovates with "Green/Gobar" and "Itta" (brick) for a net zero carbon building material. Nepal's 1800 brick kilns emit 2.2 million tonnes of CO2 annually, 37% of total emissions, with projections of growth. Addressing human rights concerns, including child labor, Gitta proposes a scalable solution using cow dung, rice husk ash, and calcium hydroxide to create cement-like blocks via natural drying. These blocks rival traditional kiln bricks in strength, weight, and cost. Gitta's mission encompasses cleaner air, community growth, and support for small-holder farmers through a circular supply chain.

Vido documentation of the project.

Project Green Gold targets hemp's potential in Nepal, a versatile material for medicine and textiles, pivotal in countering climate change due to its exceptional carbon sequestration and rapid growth. Existing hemp practices inadvertently release stored carbon during waste decomposition, causing environmental concerns. Project Green Gold strives to repurpose waste from hemp and clothing sectors, blending it with other fibers to yield superior, cost-effective results. This initiative also champions elevated product lifecycle management by accelerating decomposition, advancing sustainability efforts. Video documentation of the project.

Wetlands for Nepal addresses invasive water lettuce in Nepal's water bodies, aiming to use it for biopesticide production (Jholmal) to aid local farming. Current manual removal generates agro waste, impacting ecosystems. The team, including ecologists and an engineer, seeks community-based solutions, turning the issue into an agricultural opportunity. Video documentation of the project. 

Kattran supports women in Nepalgunj and the terai by upcycling textile waste using traditional expressions. Despite waste collection, effective management and upcycling are still lacking, leading to long decomposition periods and harmful impacts on the environment. Kattran collaborates with women to develop upcycled products, providing economic empowerment for marginalized women and preserving their traditional skills and livelihoods. Video documentation of the project.