At Swavalamban Avam Swabhimaan Foundation (SAS Foundation), we believe that sustainability is not just a trend—it’s a responsibility, a mindset, and a movement toward a better future. In alignment with our mission to empower communities and promote environmental stewardship, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Research Program on Used Clothes Recycling, beginning on 1st November 2024.
This forward-thinking initiative is not only an essential part of our environmental and community development goals but also a direct response to the growing challenge of textile waste. In an era of fast fashion and overconsumption, discarded clothing has become one of the most significant and overlooked sources of environmental pollution. The recycling and upcycling of used garments offer an immense opportunity to reduce landfill waste, lower carbon footprints, and create innovative models for sustainable development.
As part of this impactful launch, we are proud to introduce two brilliant and passionate social work interns who will be at the forefront of this research journey:
🌱 Meet Our Changemakers
👩🔬 Ms. Manalika Tiwari – Championing Sustainability through Science
Ms. Manalika Tiwari holds a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science from Gorakhpur University and is currently pursuing her PGDM at Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH). With a strong academic foundation in biology and ecology, Manalika brings a scientifically grounded perspective to sustainability challenges. Her passion for environmental preservation is matched by her practical, solution-oriented mindset and her commitment to contributing positively to society.
She has always believed that small actions can lead to large-scale change—a philosophy that aligns beautifully with our foundation’s vision. Her focus within the program will include assessing the environmental impact of used textile disposal, mapping community awareness levels, and exploring the feasibility of scalable, low-cost recycling models.
Manalika’s deep understanding of eco-friendly materials and climate-conscious practices will play a critical role in guiding the technical and research aspects of the project.
👩💼 Ms. Prerna Vijay – Blending Strategy, Finance, and Impact
A commerce graduate from Delhi University, Ms. Prerna Vijay is an award-winning young innovator with a knack for entrepreneurship, business strategy, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance). She has won several national-level business and case competitions for her innovative thinking and is determined to combine sustainability with economic empowerment.
Prerna’s role in the program will focus on building financial models, value chain analysis, and impact evaluation. She aims to study the economic feasibility of recycling initiatives, identify revenue opportunities, and support the design of community-based models that promote reuse and redistribution of wearable clothing.
Her presence underscores the belief that solving environmental challenges also requires a business-savvy approach—one that ensures long-term viability and growth.
🌀 Why Used Clothes Recycling Matters
According to the United Nations, the fashion industry is the second-largest consumer of water and accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions. What’s more alarming is that more than 85% of textiles end up in landfills annually. Used clothes are often burned or dumped, releasing toxic chemicals into the air, water, and soil.
India, with its rapidly growing urban population and rising purchasing power, faces a significant challenge in managing textile waste. However, with increased awareness and innovation, there is tremendous potential to build a circular economy that encourages the reuse, refurbishment, and recycling of clothing.
The SAS Foundation’s Research Program aims to:
- Conduct field research and surveys to understand disposal habits and community attitudes toward old clothes.
- Identify gaps in existing infrastructure and recycling options.
- Collaborate with local NGOs, tailors, and entrepreneurs to explore upcycling models.
- Raise awareness through workshops and educational drives.
- Build scalable, community-driven systems for responsible textile disposal.
🔍 The Road Ahead: What to Expect
The research program will unfold in three phases:
- Exploration & Data Gathering (Nov–Dec 2024):
- Baseline surveys in urban and semi-urban areas.
- Identification of high-volume textile disposal sources.
- Interviews with stakeholders such as ragpickers, local recyclers, and second-hand clothing vendors.
- Solution Design & Pilots (Jan–Feb 2025):
- Testing of small-scale collection and sorting units.
- Development of awareness material for schools and residential societies.
- Financial modelling and reporting on pilot performance.
- Impact Reporting & Policy Recommendations (Mar 2025):
- Publishing of white papers and reports.
- Community exhibitions showcasing upcycled products.
- Recommendations for policymakers, waste management companies, and NGOs.
Throughout the journey, our interns will be mentored by a team of experts in environmental science, circular economy, and nonprofit development. Their findings and field experiences will contribute to a larger body of knowledge that can influence national-level programs on textile waste reduction and recycling.
🌟 A Community-Centric Approach
This project is rooted in our belief that real change begins at the grassroots level. We aim to empower communities by:
- Encouraging donation and reuse drives in schools, RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations), and markets.
- Promoting entrepreneurship by training local youth and women in upcycling crafts and stitching.
- Partnering with waste workers and informal sector workers to formalize and improve their working conditions.
- Advocating for sustainable consumer habits among urban households.
Our ultimate goal is to create circular systems of responsibility, where every piece of clothing is valued, reused, and repurposed—minimizing waste and maximizing impact.
💚 Join Us on This Sustainable Journey
We believe that this initiative will not only tackle a pressing environmental issue but also inspire youth-led innovation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and community resilience.
We invite researchers, environmentalists, fashion designers, policymakers, and anyone passionate about sustainability to collaborate with us. Whether through volunteering, sharing ideas, or supporting our pilot programs, your voice matters in this journey toward a cleaner, greener world.
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✨ In Conclusion
The launch of the SAS Foundation’s Used Clothes Recycling Research Program is not just about textiles—it’s about transforming mindsets, empowering youth, and building a better tomorrow.
With Manalika Tiwari and Prerna Vijay at the helm, we are confident that this project will pave the way for innovative, scalable, and inclusive solutions that benefit both the planet and the people.
Together, let’s rethink waste and redesign our future.
