India in the recent past has been a hub of entrepreneurs that are laying hands on everything that is of human concern. Ranging from food delivery apps to delivering doorstep services, these entrepreneurs have reached out to the gamut of all essential sectors. And now, they are expanding their horizon by delving into environmental conservation. Several start-ups have come up in the recent years that are empowering and energising us to conserve environment through innovations that are cost effective and equally efficient. It is essential that these efforts are highlighted to the world so that we can amass more environment-friendly citizens to work for the betterment of the earth.

As start-ups are gaining momentum, so is the willingness of people to adopt a greener living for environmental conservation. The youth of India is energised to take up projects that are sustainable and environment friendly. Projects and innovative ideas are being taken up at college level to increase the conscious efforts of today's youth towards environmental conservation. Thus, the amalgamation of start-up ideas with environmental sustainability not only will be beneficial for the biota but also holds immense business potential for a country like India.

Following this are certain Indian start-ups that are promoting green living at its best-

1. HelpUsGreen- This start-up that is aiming to preserve river Ganga solves two purposes at the same time. Apart from their main goal to prevent Ganga from becoming religious sewer, they are employing rural women Self-help groups to do the task of recycling flowers, thereby helping them earn a living. The organisation has 'flowercycled' 2753 metric tonnes of temple flowers into incense sticks, pesticides, etc. and additionally provided livelihood to numerous rural women. Their organic products are surely changing the scene of Indian products. [1]

2. The Ugly Indian: With the motto of 'Stop Talking, Start doing', this organisation is on a rigorous mission of removing filth from the streets. The workers of the organisation choose to remain anonymous and create easy low-cost solutions that can be replicated by those who are inspired. They have changed the face of several polluted areas of the country and continue to work through smart ideas. They've tackled issues of footpath filth, public urination, open litter, etc. [2]

3. ONergy: Another start-up that kills two birds with one stone is ONergy. This start-up has not only worked towards reducing carbon emissions but also finding energy solutions for rural India. They've been responsible for installing solar micro grids, solar rooftop projects, solar street lights, solar irrigation pumps, etc. ONergy is responsible for providing affordable energy to rural India and remote areas of north-east India as well. [3]

4. BAKEYS- An interesting take on solving the plastic menace, Bakeys is innovating utensils that are edible in nature. This move is a creative way to tackle the toxic plastic waste by substituting it with organic utensils made of no artificial agents. The utensils disintegrate in less than a week of disposal unlike the non-degradable plastics. With an aim to bring positive changes in the world, the initiative is expanding its roots internationally as well. [4]

5. Saahas: A socio-environmental enterprise, Saahas zero waste collects waste and then through aggregation and processing the waste is turned to useful resources. The organisation provides on-site solutions to bulk waste producers and has innovated projects to tackle smaller amounts of waste disposal. Saahas Zero Waste is South India’s largest collection partner for post-consumer Tetra Pak cartons. They are managing waste at residential areas, offices, etc., thereby increasing their reach. 

The limits of start-ups are obviously not restricted to commercial domains and can be expanded to social welfare too. This has been proven by the above mentioned start-ups as well as many others that are working towards the same goal. However, none of these tasks are possible without active participation of citizens of the country. Even so, there is a long way until all citizens are on the same page regarding environment conservation and sustainable living, these start-ups are definitely providing a head start to initiate a better future.

Check out their websites:

1. HelpUsGreen: https://www.helpusgreen.com/

2. The Ugly Indian: http://www.theuglyindian.com/

3. ONergy: http://www.onergy.in/

4. BAKEYS: http://www.bakeys.com

5. Saahas: http://saahaszerowaste.com/