These Women From Gujarat Are Reusing Plastic And Cloth Scraps, Here's How

Meet Rajiben Vankar, an artisan who is on a mission to collect as much plastic as possible. For her, this plastic is gold. Other women from her village are doing the same - house after house and bag after bag. A plastic bag in every colour and every piece of plastic is important.

"There are one to two women in every village who collect all the plastic from all the houses. We tell them to call us once they have collected the plastic, whatever the amount, 5kg or 10kg, in a week or fortnight, or even three months. We buy plastic from them for Rs. 20 per kilo," explains Rajiben.

The women gather in Rajiben's house to segregate, wash and dry the collected plastic. Following this, the plastic will be turned into bags, pouches, yoga mats, organising trays, and even jackets. Rajiben has trained the women in her village to do the same.

With this, Rajiben is providing employment opportunities to marginalised weavers, promoting their traditional craft, preserving the cultural heritage, empowering women, and keeping all this plastic from choking our landfills.
Rajiben's work in weaving plastic has received a lot of praise and she was invited to London for a workshop on plastic weaving.

On the other hand, Pabiben Rabari from the Rabari community in Gujarat has emerged as a pioneer in the world of sustainable fashion through her innovative use of upcycled clothing. She is not only bringing attention to the Kutchi embroidery but also empowering women.

The Rabari community is a nomadic pastoral community. While the community is known for its distinctive arts - mirrored mud sculptures among them, it is embroidery that the Rabari women are best known for. Everything can be embroidered - from clothing and bags to wall hangings, pillows and purses. And every piece of Rabari embroidery carries some sort of significance.

Mythological and historic events can be depicted in embroidery, as can significant riots and events for the community. Every pattern is hand sewn and the Rabaris draw inspiration from their surroundings, experiences, and heritage. Creatures like peacocks, which roam in the jungle are all represented via embroidery and applique.

Rabari embroidery has evolved with the times by embracing this sustainable ethos. The use of recycled clothes as a canvas for Rabari embroidery not only reduces waste but also creates a harmonious blend of tradition and eco-consciousness.

Pabiben has also received numerous awards and accolades that help her artistic brilliance and efforts at preserving her culture. She now runs her own website pabiben.com, and is the first woman in her community to have her own brand.