On World Earth Day that just went by, The Daily Eye Newsdesk visits five women entrepreneurs shaping a sustainable future

In recent years, sustainability has become a key focus area for businesses worldwide. As concerns about climate change and environmental degradation have grown, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable practices and the role businesses can play in promoting them. Women entrepreneurs have been at the forefront of this movement, championing the cause of sustainability and driving change in their industries.

Women entrepreneurs bring a unique perspective to the issue of sustainability. They tend to be more collaborative and community-oriented, and they often deeply understand the social and environmental challenges faced by their communities. As a result, they are well-positioned to develop innovative solutions that not only benefit the environment but also create economic opportunities and promote social justice.

These five women entrepreneurs are leading the charge in promoting sustainable living and transforming mindsets and lifestyles across India through their innovative start-ups.
Mini Menon, Co-founder, Peepul Tree and Editor, Live History India:

An accomplished journalist, celebrated author, and visionary entrepreneur with an unwavering passion for bridging the gap between India's artistic communities and the world, her brainchild, Peepul Tree, is a game-changing live commerce platform that fuses the power of storytelling with artisanal craftsmanship to unlock a world of untapped potential for traditional Indian art forms. Through this dynamic platform, Mini is determined to showcase the exceptional talents of India's artisans, who have long been the custodians of centuries-old traditions and sustainable processes and offer them a credible platform to connect with a global audience. As the co-founder of Peepul Tree, Mini has also lent her expertise to Live History India - the fastest-growing digital platform dedicated to India's rich history and heritage.

Sahar Mansoor, Founder and CEO, Bare Necessities:

A true visionary and an unstoppable force in the world of sustainability, as the founder and CEO of Bare Necessities, a zero-waste social enterprise, Sahar is making waves in the personal care, lifestyle, and home care industries by offering eco-friendly products and services that are as effective as they are ethical. But her passion for sustainability doesn't stop there - she's also a circular-economy nerd, a voracious learner, and a curious traveller who has earned accredited degrees on environmental topics in India, the USA, and England, becoming a proud alumna of the prestigious University of Cambridge. Through her business, Sahar is on a mission to create a more sustainable future for all of us, with zero-waste personal care, lifestyle, home care, and educational products and services.

Prerna Prasad, Founder, Ecoplore:

A true changemaker, who has dedicated her life to fighting corruption and protecting the environment, and as a journalist and activist, she has been at the frontlines of India's fight against corruption for years. But in 2016, Prerna decided to take her passion for environmental preservation to the next level. Realising that protecting the environment was more important now than ever before, Prerna took the leap into social entrepreneurship. She founded Ecoplore - an innovative ecotourism start-up that offers immersive experiences in some of India's most stunning natural environments. By quitting her job and devoting herself to Ecoplore, Prerna is doing her part to create a more sustainable future for all of us. Her commitment to environmental preservation is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see how Ecoplore will continue to make a positive impact on India's tourism industry and the planet as a whole.

Ashwini Gaikar, Founder, Surprise Elements:

Her journey to entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of nature and the human spirit. When pregnant with her daughter, Ashwini decided to leave her nine-to-five job in mass media marketing and immerse herself in the wilderness of Calmshet, a picturesque hamlet in Lonavala, Maharashtra. During this time, Ashwini began exploring the benefits of organic and natural ingredients and discovered the joys of handmade soaps. Frustrated by the harsh soaps that had caused skin pigmentation and rashes during her pregnancy, Ashwini decided to create her own line of luxury, hand-crafted products. And so, in 2018, Surprise Elements was born - a brand that offers a limited-edition range of artisanal soaps, body butter, body scrubs, and aromatherapy candles, all made with natural ingredients and wrapped in eco-friendly packaging.  

Bandana Jain, Founder, Sylvn Studio:

Her journey as an artist and entrepreneur is both creative and empowering. With her Mumbai-based start-up, Sylvn Studio, she has not only created a line of eco-friendly, handcrafted furniture but also provided livelihood opportunities for women in rural areas on the outskirts of Mumbai. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in a small town, Bandana understands the importance of empowering women from rural areas. And so, she has made it her priority to help these women by employing them in the production of Sylvn Studio's decor products made from corrugated cardboard. Through Sylvn Studio, Bandana has not only created a platform for eco-friendly and sustainable furniture but has also created a pathway for women to be financially independent and use their skills to make a positive impact on the world.