Context:

Recently, Floral Waste has emerged as a way of boosting the circular economy and employment opportunities in India.

Key Highlights

• The floral waste sector in India is experiencing significant growth, driven by its numerous benefits. 
• This sector not only provides meaningful employment opportunities for women but also effectively diverts waste from dumpsites, contributing to environmental preservation. 
• As India progresses towards sustainability and a circular economy, the focus on transforming waste into wealth is becoming increasingly important.

What is a Circular Economy?

• The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that emphasizes sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. 
• This approach extends the life cycle of products and reduces waste, thus promoting sustainability.

Environmental and Health Impacts of Floral Waste

• Floral waste, mostly biodegradable, often ends up in landfills or water bodies, causing health hazards and harming aquatic life. 
• According to a UN Climate Change report, the river Ganga alone absorbs over 8 million MT of flower waste annually. 

How can Floral Waste Contribute to Employment and Sustainability?

• Under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0, several Indian cities are implementing innovative solutions to address the floral waste issue.
• Implementing composting pits in temples and involving temple trusts and self-help groups (SHGs) in recycling efforts can create significant employment opportunities.
• The "Green Temples" concept can be integrated into policies to transform temples into eco-friendly spaces. 
• The National Horticulture Board can be involved in tracking and managing floral waste in green spaces like parks.

Success Stories on the Road to a Circular Economy

Ujjain’s Mahakal Temple

• Mahakal Temple generates 5-6 tonnes of waste daily, collected by 'Pushpanjali Econirmit' vehicles and processed into eco-friendly products. 
• Women from Shiv Arpan Self-Help Group craft items from waste and also use it for making briquettes, compost, and biofuel. 
• Ujjain Smart City's 2022 report shows 2,200 tons of floral waste treated, yielding more than 3 crore incense sticks.

Kanpur

• Phool (floral waste recycling company), based in Kanpur, collects floral waste daily from Ayodhya, Varanasi, Bodh Gaya, Kanpur, and Badrinath, totalling nearly 21 MT weekly. 
• They transform this waste into incense sticks, cones, and other products, providing women with secure jobs and benefits like fixed salaries, provident funds, transportation, and healthcare.