The Story of Econscious: Recycling 3,50,000 kg of Plastic into Useful Everyday Items

In today's world, sustainability has become more than just a buzzword; it's a movement that is changing how we approach the future of our planet. Amidst this global change, one Indian brand is making significant strides in recycling plastic waste into eco-friendly products for homes, public spaces, and corporate gifting. That brand is Econscious a company founded with a passion for both innovation and the environment. Led by Sonal Shukla and her co-founder Vaibhav Verma, Econscious is revolutionising the way we think about plastic waste and its potential to contribute to a sustainable future.

The Birth of Econscious 

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The inspiration behind Econscious took root in an unlikely place—the serene mountains of Himachal Pradesh. In March 2020, during a winter trek to Parashar Lake, Sonal Shukla and Vaibhav Verma were struck by the stark contrast between the natural beauty of the Himalayas and the plastic waste littering the landscape. This experience was eye-opening, and it sparked the duo’s resolve to tackle the global plastic waste crisis head-on.

Drawing on their backgrounds in engineering, Sonal, with a Master's degree in Environmental Engineering from the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kurukshetra, and Vaibhav as an environmental engineer, founded Econscious in September 2020. The idea was simple yet powerful: to create a circular economy by recycling post-consumer plastic waste into durable and innovative products. These products would not only reduce the environmental footprint but also contribute to building sustainable infrastructure in public spaces and private homes.

As the founders rolled up their sleeves, they quickly realised the scale of the problem they were facing. Sonal had a background in electronics, having worked with a VLSI company before diving into entrepreneurship. Though her path to becoming an entrepreneur was accidental, her determination to create a social impact through sustainability was unwavering. With Vaibhav providing environmental engineering expertise, the two of them launched their startup with a clear vision: to reduce plastic waste and make sustainability accessible to everyone.

Journey of an Accidental Entrepreneur

Before Econscious, Sonal was immersed in the tech world, working in VLSI. But like many successful entrepreneurs, she found her calling in a cause bigger than herself. During the pandemic, sustainability and the need to conserve the environment became a topic of regular discussion. Conversations with Vaibhav, her co-founder, and their mutual interest in environmental issues eventually led to the birth of the company.

Sonal’s early struggle with Econscious wasn’t easy, but her background in engineering and her passion for the environment gave her the grit to push through. The duo worked relentlessly to source, collect, and recycle plastic waste, eventually launching products like park benches, dustbins, planters, and eco-friendly gifts made from 100% recycled plastic. In a short span, Econscious has made a significant environmental impact by upcycling over 3,50,000 kg of plastic waste, saving a colossal amount of CO2 emissions and space in landfills.

Sonal's leadership is a mix of innovation and commitment to sustainability. Her approach is driven by the need to educate communities on waste management while also providing functional products that contribute to a more circular economy. With her vision and Vaibhav’s expertise, Econscious is creating a legacy that will last for generations. Renowned People such as Ms Sanjana Sanghi, Youth Champion for UNDP India, Bollywood actress & UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador Dia Mirza and especially Esteemed President of India Droupadi Murmu being gifted  Econscious's Recycled Plastic Pot.

Sustainable Products of Econscious 

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Econscious has quickly become synonymous with innovative, eco-friendly products that are both functional and stylish. By repurposing plastic waste, Econscious is producing products that serve practical purposes in everyday life, from public parks to corporate offices, and the price will amaze you it starts from only Rs. 200. Some of their standout offerings include:

Park Benches and Public Dustbins: These durable products made from recycled plastic help reduce the environmental impact while adding a modern touch to public spaces.

Eco-friendly Planters: With their innovative design, these planters offer an attractive, sustainable option for gardening enthusiasts.

Corporate Gifts: Econscious provides eco-conscious corporate gifting solutions that align with a company’s sustainability goals. These gifts make for unique, meaningful presents that stand out for their creativity and environmental impact.

The company’s achievements have been nothing short of remarkable. By recycling over 3,50,000 kg of plastic, Econscious has not only helped save over 14,000 cubic meters of landfill space but has also reduced the equivalent of over 3,50,000 kg of CO2 emissions. These figures are a testament to the company's commitment to creating a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.

Moreover, Econscious has caught the attention of celebrities and high-profile individuals who have shown interest in purchasing their products. The fact that large-scale companies and individuals with eco-conscious values are embracing Econscious products speaks volumes about the demand for sustainable solutions in today's market. As more people in India and around the world become aware of the need for sustainability, Econscious continues to shine as an example of how innovation can lead to meaningful change. So, next time you consider buying a product, think about its impact on the environment. Choose brands that are dedicated to reducing plastic waste and protecting the planet. Businesses like Econscious are proof that small changes can make a huge difference. Let’s make those changes together for a better tomorrow!