In the peaceful village of West Bairiguri village , surrounded by rolling hills and lush fields, two remarkable women—Sita and Meera—embarked on a journey that would not only change their own lives but also leave a lasting impact on their environment and community. Members of the Kusum Kali Self-Help Group (SHG), they saw the potential to turn a simple idea into an entrepreneurial venture that could both provide livelihoods and protect the environment: the manufacturing of eco-friendly paper plates.

Sita and Meera were driven by a vision that stretched beyond their modest village. With plastic pollution becoming an increasing threat to their local ecosystem, they knew that creating a sustainable alternative to disposable plastic products would be a meaningful contribution to the environment. They identified paper plates as a practical, eco-friendly solution—one that could meet local demand while reducing plastic waste.

Their determination led them to pursue a bold plan: they would invest in a paper plate-making machine to produce biodegradable products. With the support of their SHG, Sita and Meera secured a loan that would fund this venture. This loan wasn’t just financial assistance; it was a symbol of the collective belief in the power of women-driven entrepreneurship. The Kusum Kali SHG’s faith in Sita and Meera underscored the strength of community-based initiatives and the potential for rural women to lead the way in economic and environmental progress.

Once they acquired the machine, Sita and Meera established a small workshop in their village and began production. Their paper plates, made from natural materials, were an instant hit. They offered competitive wholesale rates to local shops in the Banchukamari area, and their environmentally friendly products quickly gained popularity. As their business flourished, it became not just a source of steady income for their families but a powerful example of how small-scale entrepreneurs could contribute to environmental conservation.

The environmental impact of their business was significant. By offering a biodegradable alternative to plastic plates, Sita and Meera helped reduce plastic waste in their region. The use of sustainable raw materials in their production process aligned with their broader goal of protecting the environment while fostering economic growth. In a community where awareness of environmental issues was growing, their business became a symbol of responsible, green entrepreneurship.

Their success also had a ripple effect on the local economy and inspired other members of the Kusum Kali SHG. As more women witnessed the impact of Sita and Meera’s business, they began exploring their own entrepreneurial ambitions, particularly in areas that could combine financial gain with environmental sustainability. The paper plate venture became a model of how self-reliance and innovation could drive both economic and environmental progress.

Sita and Meera’s journey is a powerful story of empowerment through entrepreneurship. It highlights the critical role of SHGs in fostering not only economic independence but also environmentally responsible business practices in rural areas. Their venture showed that with access to resources, training, and community support, rural women can lead sustainable businesses that protect the environment while generating livelihoods.

Today, in their humble workshop in West Beri Guddi, Sita and Meera continue to produce paper plates, but their impact goes far beyond the village. Their initiative has become a beacon of hope for other women, proving that rural entrepreneurship, when driven by innovation and environmental consciousness, can change lives and communities for the better.

Their story stands as a testament to the power of green entrepreneurship, the strength of self-help groups, and the critical role rural women play in shaping a sustainable future for their communities. Sita and Meera have not only secured their financial future but have become champions of environmental protection, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps.

The success of Sita and Meera’s venture was made possible through the collaboration between Jalpaiguri Seva Sadan (JSS) and Caritas India under U3 programme. JSS played a pivotal role in connecting them with government and NGO training programs, while Caritas India provided vital hand-holding support to JSS, ensuring the organization could effectively guide the women on their entrepreneurial journey. Together, they fostered a successful blend of business acumen and sustainable practices, empowering Sita and Meera to create a thriving, eco-friendly enterprise that serves as a model for rural entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.