Climate Curve

Link: LinkedIn:

Primary Project Category:

Secondary Project Category:

Name of Project:

Year Project Originated:

Project Summary / Description:

The RagBag Initiative by Karma Moksha Nirvana Foundation (KMN Foundation) is a pioneering sustainability and social impact program that transforms post-consumer textile waste into reusable, eco-friendly carry bags and lifestyle products.

Rooted in the principles of the circular economy, RagBag addresses two major global challenges—climate change and unemployment among marginalized groups. By collecting discarded clothes from households, the initiative prevents textiles from ending up in landfills and instead upcycles them into durable, biodegradable alternatives to plastic bags.

Beyond its environmental impact, RagBag is a livelihood generation model. It provides skill training and dignified employment to women from low-income families, LGBTQ+ individuals, and artisans, enabling financial independence and social inclusion.

So far, the initiative has distributed over 20,000 RagBags across 12 Indian states, replacing 10 million single-use plastic bags, reducing 600,000+ kg of CO₂ emissions, and creating 225 sustainable livelihoods. Recognized with the UN SEED Grant, SABERA Award 2024, and listed on the UN SDG Partnerships Platform, RagBag exemplifies how innovation, inclusion, and sustainability can work together to ensure that nothing—and no one—is ever discarded.

How Project Affects Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions:

['Reduces GHGs (e.g., projects that reduce sources of GHGs, such as through efficiency or other changes in consumption)']

Impact on Underrepresented Groups:

The RagBag Initiative by Karma Moksha Nirvana Foundation is built on the principle of inclusive climate action, empowering those traditionally underrepresented in environmental movements—especially women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and climate-vulnerable communities.

Over 90% of our workforce comprises women from low-income households and LGBTQ+ individuals who previously lacked formal employment or were dependent on informal plastic bag production. Through RagBag, they receive skill development in stitching, embroidery, and eco-friendly upcycling, along with regular income, financial literacy training, and social security linkages—transforming them into climate champions within their communities.

Our leadership reflects this inclusivity: women hold key operational and managerial roles, including Lovely Adhikary, a Guinness World Record holder under Rakshak Foundation, who leads production and artisan training. LGBTQ+ individuals also play central roles in quality control and awareness outreach, ensuring representation at every level of decision-making.

By integrating livelihood empowerment with climate action, RagBag demonstrates that sustainability is not just about reducing emissions—it’s about restoring dignity, equity, and opportunity. The project thus bridges the gap between social justice and environmental restoration, positioning underrepresented voices at the heart of India’s circular economy and green transition.