Every day across India, millions of flowers are offered at temples, weddings, and festivals — only to be discarded hours later. This “sacred waste” often clogs rivers, fills landfills, and releases harmful gases. But a growing movement is transforming what was once pollution into purpose.
In Turning Petals into Purpose, writer Jhanvi Kaur explores how eco-entrepreneurs and women-led collectives are reimagining flower waste as a force for good. From Gulmeher and HolyWaste, where women craft candles and soaps from discarded petals, to Phool, the Kanpur-based social enterprise turning temple flowers into Fleather — a vegan alternative to leather — these projects blend sustainability, innovation, and empowerment.
What began as small acts of devotion is now fuelling a national shift toward greener cities, cleaner rivers, and dignified livelihoods.
Read the full story in The View 15 to discover how India is turning its petals into purpose — and waste into beauty.