Petals of Purpose: A Cooperative Approach to Sustainable Flower Waste Management Around Ahmedabad Region
摘要
In a country like India, much floral waste is produced and disposed of insidiously in open areas and water bodies. Various religious and social programs in India release a substantial amount of floral waste daily. The study focuses on the generation of floral waste in the temples. The literature reported that around 800 million metric tons of flowers are nationally offered to the temples, 8 million metric tons of which are dumped into the rivers, contributing to 16% of the country’s river water pollution. Religious offerings are of high sentimental value to Indian society. The current study focuses on implementing a “Phool to Phool” system, aimed at preserving the complete life cycle of a flower, ensuring its sustainability, reusability, and productivity. By strategically collecting, sorting, and creating awareness of floral waste management, we aim not only to prevent environmental degradation but also to establish a sustainable ecosystem where flower wastage is sorted, nurtured, and transformed into religious by-products, thus enhancing utilization and minimizing waste. Furthermore, this will not only generate employment opportunities but also provide a livelihood for individuals. In conclusion, the paper advocates a holistic approach, converting floral waste into wealth.