The world is experiencing rapid technological advancement, marking a significant leap forward for humanity. However, while this progress is making our lives easier, it is also bringing serious environmental consequences. Among the most pressing concerns is plastic, an element widely used across industries but deeply harmful to the planet. Plastic does not decompose naturally, leading to soil and water contamination, ecosystem disruption and a growing contribution to climate change. It also poses serious threats to wildlife and human health. In recognition of these challenges, this year’s Environment Day is centred around a vital theme: Ending Plastic Pollution.
Join us today, as we celebrate World Environment Day. Explore the stories of these 5 women, whose efforts in spearheading this sustainability revolution through their products, services and solutions are so inspiring…
Sahar Mansoor, Founder and CEO of Bare Necessities
Sahar Mansoor is the Founder and CEO of Bare Necessities, a pioneering hub for zero-waste living in India. A dedicated climate advocate, she has been committed to a low-impact lifestyle for over five years. As the author of Bare Necessities: How to Lead a Zero-Waste Life, published by Penguin Random House, Sahar is widely recognized for her efforts to shift the conversation around waste management in India. Her work has also earned her accolades such as Google India’s ‘Most Inspiring Indian of the Year.’
Bare Necessities produces a wide range of sustainable, eco-friendly products, including organic bath salts, body scrubs, shampoos, toothpaste, facial cleansers and lip balms, alongside everyday essentials like menstrual cups, laundry detergent, bamboo toothbrushes and stainless-steel straws. The company prioritizes the use of organic, locally sourced and fair-trade ingredients. All products are non-toxic, non-GMO, cruelty-free and packaged in 100% recyclable materials.
Beyond her role as an entrepreneur, Sahar is a Climate Reality Leader, a mentor with Climate Launchpad and a Global Shaper with the World Economic Forum. Underscoring her deep commitment to sustainability, her venture – Bare Necessities is also on course to divert 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste by 2025, reinforcing its commitment to a circular and sustainable economy.
https://barenecessities.in/pages/about-us
Vasudha Madhavan, Founder and CEO, Ostara Advisors
Vasudha Madhavan is the Founder and CEO of Ostara Advisors, India’s first specialized Climate-Tech investment banking firm, dedicated to fostering sustainable growth through strategic financial solutions. With over two decades of experience in corporate and investment banking, she was recognized in 2023 by the India Energy Storage Alliance (IESA) as one of the Top 40 Women Leaders Driving the Energy Sector in India.
Guided by an unwavering commitment to the planet’s future, Ostara Advisors operates at the forefront of the climate-tech landscape, offering growth capital raising and M&A advisory to climate-positive businesses across sectors such as electric mobility and clean energy. Through a strong focus on thought leadership, the firm has played a key role in institutionalizing fundraising within India’s sustainability ecosystem.
With deep domain expertise, Ostara Advisors has become the go-to partner for global investors, policymakers and corporates seeking to explore India’s climate-tech potential. The firm has also been instrumental in bringing international and first-time strategic investors into the Indian market, building one of the country’s most robust investor ecosystems in climate-tech, electric mobility and sustainability. Anchored in the broader mission of decarbonization, Ostara Advisors fosters collaboration across the ecosystem, viewing each successful deal as a step toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
https://ostara.co.in/about/?clean/#focus
Nargis Bhadra, Founder, Amani
Founder of Amani, Nargis Bhadra is a leading manufacturer of eco-friendly, sustainable and reusable multipurpose bags. A highly skilled and self-driven entrepreneur, she brings over 15 years of experience in transforming a simple idea into a successful and impactful business rooted in sustainability.
Amani makes multipurpose bags for a variety of uses, including packaging, shopping, gifting and corporate promotions, serving clients ranging from corporates and SMEs to retailers, departmental stores and wholesalers.
In just three years, Amani has supplied over one lakh eco-bags to more than 150 brands, including major names like Indian Oil and Ultratech. Aligned with national initiatives such as Make in India, Go Green and Skill India, Amani is driven by a clear vision: to foster a more sustainable and balanced environment for all living beings while actively working to reduce the planet’s carbon footprint for future generations.
https://www.amanicraft.in/about-us.htm
Tanvi Johri, Co-Founder, Carmesi
A part of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 – Asia – Retail & Ecommerce list 2019, Tanvi Johri is the Co-Founder of Carmesi, manufactures of all-natural sanitary pads and feminine hygiene products. Their products are made of elements like bamboo and cornstarch, without any harmful chemicals or synthetic components.
Majority of women in India use sanitary napkins during their menstrual cycle and Regular, plastic-based napkins can take anywhere from 500 to 800 years to decompose. This is due to the presence of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials used in their construction. Carmesi tackles this problem.
Along with being an environmentally conscious brand, Carmesi also focuses on empowering women with the right education about their bodies with period and body-positive content.
Priyanka Mandal, Co-Founder, Clan Earth
Priyanka Mandal is the Co-Founder of Clan Earth, an eco-friendly startup making sustainable backpacks, wallets and pouches from water-resistant cotton canvas. As the leader of an Earth-First brand, her mission her mission is to protect the planet while inspiring everyone to be mindful of nature in all their actions.
With a bold vision to plant one million trees by 2030, Clan Earth is on a journey to become India’s most impactful social enterprise. As part of this mission, the company plants five trees for every eco-friendly product purchased, partnering with the world’s oldest reforestation organization to ensure these saplings thrive into mature trees.
Through her work, Priyanka hopes to inspire a generation of “Earth Ambassadors” or individuals who embrace fashion and lifestyle choices that not only avoid harm, but actively contribute to the well-being of the planet and its most vulnerable communities.
https://clanearth.com/pages/our-story
Conclusion
India generates approximately 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, yet industry estimates suggest that only about 30% of it is recycled. In the face of this growing environmental challenge, women leaders like Sahar, Vasudha, Nargis, Tanvi and Priyanka have emerged as powerful catalysts for change. With their vision, innovation and deep commitment to the planet, they are not only building a cleaner, more sustainable future but also empowering individuals to make conscious choices. Through their businesses, they offer meaningful alternatives that help reduce our environmental footprint at a personal level—turning everyday decisions into acts of impact.
Avtar Madan
Himanshu
Shree Lahiri
Poonam Sinha
