Textile pollution is one of the fastest-growing environmental threats today. The global fashion industry produces over 92 million tonnes of waste every year, much of which ends up in landfills or pollutes rivers and soils. Toxic dyes, synthetic fibers and discarded garments continue to damage ecosystems and contribute to climate change.
Mrittika’s Response: A Project Rooted in Responsibility
To address this urgent issue, Mrittika NGO has launched Sustainable Revival: Recycling and Upcycling Old Clothes, a project combining environmental consciousness and human compassion. It is a grassroots movement that believes in extending the life cycle of clothes while restoring dignity to those in need.
Recycling with Purpose: Distribution with Dignity
Mrittika collects old clothes from donors across Kolkata, carefully sorts and cleans them and distributes wearable garments to underprivileged communities. This form of recycling not only reduces textile waste but also ensures that people in need, especially in rural and marginalised areas, receive essential clothing.
Currently, Mrittika is actively distributing collected clothes in Kolkata, Birbhum, Kumardubi, Bankura, and Ganga Sagar. These efforts help protect the environment while directly supporting communities with dignity and care.
Upcycling: A Pathway to Sustainability and Livelihood
Mrittika is now preparing to enter the next vital phase of the project — Upcycling. This involves transforming old, damaged or unusable clothes into new, functional and creative products such as bags, pouches, cushion covers, quilts, table mats and even fashion accessories.
But this is more than just a creative recycling process — it’s a powerful social empowerment tool.
Through this phase, underprivileged women will be trained in stitching, tailoring and upcycling techniques, equipping them with valuable skills that can lead to income-generating opportunities. Whether it’s crafting handmade products to be sold at local fairs, exhibitions or through NGO networks, these women will get the chance to participate in a sustainable economy and become financially independent.
The aim is not just to reduce textile waste — but to stitch together a fabric of self-reliance, creativity, and dignity. Mrittika’s future workshops will also foster community collaboration, where experienced artisans and designers can mentor women, enabling them to grow into skilled craftswomen and entrepreneurs.
Join the Movement
Sustainable Revival reminds us that change doesn’t always begin with big factories or policies — sometimes it starts with your old clothes. By donating what you no longer need, you’re not only reducing pollution but also helping rebuild lives.
Be part of the revival. Let’s make fashion sustainable — and compassionate.
