Usgreen: Project Report On
Usgreen: Project Report On
Usgreen: Project Report On
ON
“Transforming Floral Waste Into
Organic Treasures”
IN
HelpUsGreen
MBA (2ND SEM)
SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
NEHAL JAIN MEGHA
(Asst. Professor) (MBA 2 nd Sem)
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I understand, hereby declare that the project “Transforming Floral
me under the guidance of Ms. Nehal Jain, and Ritika Disha Bharti
MEGHA
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SR.NO CONTENTS Page No
1. Executive Summary 4
2. Introduction 6
3. Where Are They Now 8
4. Helpusgreen Through The Pandemic 9
5. Mission 12
6. Helpusgreen Is The Brilliant Startup 14
7. A Colourful Solution To The Flower 21
Waste
8. From Flower Waste To Insence 24
9. The Social Solution 27
10. Making The Big Idea Bigger 30
11. Helpusgreen ‘S Products 32
12. Premium Fragrances By 56
Helpusgreen
13. Fragrance Of Flowercycling 62
14. Awards 73
3
Executive Summary
The Project Studies were conducted at “HelpUsGreen” which is
Indian social enterprises that works to recycle floral waste from
temples. HelpUsGreen operates mainly in Uttar Pradesh.
Clearly state what you aim to achieve with your project and what
Identify the primary audience or users who will benefit from your
project.
4
Develop a plan for implementing your project, including
risks.
Determine how you will measure the success of your project and
a wider audience.
5
INTRODUCTION
THE BEGINNING
6
“HelpUsGreen” is an online private label brand for organic products
under brand names Mitti and Sticks & Stones. The product
strawberry, khus, apple, lemon grass etc. Claims to make all the
7
WHERE THEY ARE NOW
What emerged in 2015 as a vision, has now evolved into a self-
sustaining social enterprise of over 50 eco-warriors. As of 2021, we
collect over 2.5 tonnes of floral waste everyday and flowercycle it into
lifestyle products like aromatic sticks, organic fertilizers and festive
goods.
8
HELPUSGREEN THROUGH
THE PANDEMIC
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Uttarakhand and Karnataka to facilitate online training to farmers
Dhoopbatti products with more than 1200 SKUs and exports to more
masses.
10
pushed bounds by procuring flowers not only from religious grounds
but also from weddings, political rally’s and most importantly, the
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MISSION
“HelpUsGreen” aspires to be the most forward thinking, ethical, and
economy.
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Rather than contributing to landfills, we offset them.
operations.
13
HelpUsGreen a Brilliant Startup
Indeed!
"Swacch Bharat Abhiyan" is leading towards a right direction with the
help of HelpUsGreen, a Kanpur-based social enterprise founded by
two friends Ankit Agarwal and Karan Rastogi in the year 2015 with a
mission to save the holy river - Ganges.
The Ganges is the second most polluted river in the world and affects
400 million people. Linked to contracting dysentery, cholera, hepatitis,
and severe diarrhea – which continues to be one of the leading causes
of child mortality in India and Bangladesh. The duo came up with the
stats that every year 80,00,000 metric tons of waste flowers are
dumped into river Ganges. Toxic Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium from
the harmful farm-runoff, pesticides and insecticides used to grow
flowers mixes with the river water making it highly poisonous (PH 6-
8.5).
prayers are sacrosanct and cannot be dumped into the garbage once
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they’ve wilted. This is one of the reasons why people prefer to discard
them in rivers, lakes and other water bodies. But not many of us think
about the fertilizers and pesticides that might have been used to grow
these flowers, which then mix with the water killing fishes and creating
enormous pollution.
With over more than 420 million people who rely on it for food, water,
pilgrims who venture to India's most holy of rivers each year to bathe
and worship - Saving the Ganges is crucial. Armed with flowers these
families.
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Two of their products namely 'Mitti' and 'Yagya' is what I have tried to
elaborate in my blog.
plants and vegetables that grow with the use of Mitti are
organic.
rest are crushed and made into incense sticks and yajna/havan
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these flowers as opposed to the traditional method that involves
when they come into contact with soil. Isn't that amazing?
At last I would like to say, "To pursue one's dream one have to strive
batorenge (Now they will leave their jobs and collect flowers),”
was Ankit’s mother’s reaction when he first pitched the idea to his
mom. Karan’s family tried to persuade him against the idea, but there
was no turning back for the duo. And this is how HelpUsGreen is
our country. Kudos to the team and keep up the good work going.
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They're known for their innovative approach to tackling environmental
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1. Flower Collection: HelpUsGreen collects floral waste from temples
being discarded.
essential oils, organic colors, and incense sticks. This step involves
cleaning and treating the flowers to ensure they are safe and suitable
aromatic oils, and organic incense sticks. These products are not only
sustainable but also have cultural and religious significance, tying back
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4. Social Impact: HelpUsGreen's model has a significant social
bodies.
global scale.
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A Colourful
Solution to Flower-
waste
In India, Shiva is the god of destruction. His job is to destroy the
universe to re-create it. Every morning, Hindu temple bells ring out
across the mist. The sound mingles with chanting, as groups of people
But in the same way that metal can be melted down and cast into a
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This is what entrepreneur and Young Champion of the Earth
idea. Looking out onto the River Ganges—the lifeline for more than
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400 million people which provides 40 per cent of India’s population
The Ganges river has deep religious significance for Hindus. Millions
bathe in its waters, believing they wash away sins. It is also highly
polluted. “As I was thinking about this, a temple truck dumped flowers
right in front of me. Then it struck me: this is something I’ve seen all
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From Flower Waste To Incense
flowers, but no one thinks what happens next,” he added. “More than
eight million tonnes of flowers are dumped in the river every year,
initiative has upcycled 2,753 metric tonnes of flowers before they even
reach the river, and offset around 275 kilograms of pesticide residue
to date.
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A small truck rolls into the factory grounds, dumping a mess of
‘From there, the flowers are sorted and sprayed with organic
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Deepak Mann left Delhi to work at HelpUsGreen. “The women
says.
unpredictable income.
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The Social Solution
“This is not only about switching jobs and decent wages,” explains
Mann. “The women feel their sins are washed working with the
The women are provided with national identity cards and taught to
sign their name, enabling them to open a bank account and get health
27
“Puja Sonkar” did not have a job before hearing about
daughter. “I was working at the hospital nearby and my salary was not
paid on time. When you are not paid on time, you need to borrow. I
save money, which I could not do before, and we have enough for food
and water. My youngest children, aged 12 and 15, are going to school.
Because we are poor, that is the only way out,” she says.
The Startup is not only useful for the floral waste of Temples and
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Making The Big Idea Bigger
“HelpUsGreen” vision is to ensure that everyone has equal rights and
back into the economy, generating revenues and more valuable organic
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bound for customers across India contain colourful incense holders.
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HELPUSGREEN’S
PRODUCTS
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Organic Agarbatti ( Incense Sticks )
DESCRIPTION
Sandalwood IncenseSticks
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Elevate your living space with the subtle, woody fragrance of
peaceful sanctuary.
agarbatti
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fragrance can help create a peaceful atmosphere, making it
rural women right here in Kanpur, India. This provides them with
empowerment.
environment.
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6. Enjoy the Health Benefits of Sandalwood Essential Oil
inner peace.
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⨠ 100% Natural Ingredients lavender Incense
⨠ Hand-rolled by Rural Women
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
⨠ Burn Time: 40-45 minutes
⨠ Ethically sourced ingredients
⨠ Charcoal-free for a healthier experience
DESCRIPTION
love and hand-rolled by rural women who know how to make a good
thing last. Here are some. Here are some reasons why you should
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1. Relax and Unwind with Lavender Incense Sticks
3. Long-Lasting Fragrance
aromatic enjoyment.
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gentle, floral scent of lavender lingers in the air, promoting
4. Versatile Use
These incense sticks are perfect for use in any room of your
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⨠ 100% Natural Ingredients Lemongrass
⨠ Hand-rolled by Rural Women
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
⨠ Burn Time: 40-45 minutes
⨠ Ethically sourced ingredients
⨠ Charcoal-free for healthier experience
DESCRIPTION
and hand-rolled with care, these incense sticks will infuse your home
with a bright and uplifting fragrance that will help to awaken your
senses.
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1. Fresh and Invigorating Fragrance
reduce stress and anxiety. With these incense sticks, you can
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of harmful chemicals.
4. Long-lasting Fragrance
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pleasant atmosphere in your home. Each pack contains 40
period.
5. Versatile Use
You can use these incense sticks in your home, office, yoga
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⨠ Khus Dhoop Cone Natural Ingredients
⨠ Hand-rolled by Rural Women
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
⨠ Burn Time: 40-45 minutes
⨠ Ethically sourced ingredients
⨠ Charcoal-free for a healthier experience
DESCRIPTION
scent? Try HelpUsGreen Natural Khus Dhoop Cones. They are 100%
incense cones. We also know that, when you're looking for the best
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1. Natural Khus Dhoop Cones To Create the Fresh Scent of Lush
Greens:Khus is the type of scent that the more often you smell, the
more you will grow attached to it. It has a distinct sweet yet rich
fragrance. Try our Natural Khus Dhoop Cones and enjoy the exquisite
aroma.
environmentally friendly.
Cones are hand-rolled with care. They are all individually rolled by a
possible quality.
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4. Long-Lasting Natural Khus Dhoop Cones:
Each Natural Dhoop Cone lasts about an hour and is great for a long
essential oil has insect-repellent properties and its aroma helps ward
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⨠ Natural Patchouli Ingredients
⨠ Hand-rolled by Rural Women
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
⨠ Burn Time: 40-45 minutes
⨠ Ethically sourced ingredients
⨠ Charcoal-free for a fresh experience
DESCRIPTION
Bringing to you HelpUsGreen's Natural Patchouli Dhoop Cones for
the fresh and clean aroma of patchouli anywhere you so desire. Enjoy
the fresh scent and improve the scent of your homes or offices.
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2. Organic Dhoop Cones Made Using Sustainable Techniques
flowers and are free of bamboo and charcoal. When you buy from us,
you are not only getting a terrific product, but you are also helping to
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4. Long-Lasting Natural Dhoop Cones
Each Natural Patchouli Dhoop Cone is of high quality and will last
box, along with a ceramic Incense holder. The cones are 3.5cm long
and burn for 30 to 35 minutes making them ideal for yoga and
meditation sessions.
anxiety and stress. Patchouli essential oil is most hailed for the
many health benefits it has for the skin. Order yours today and enjoy
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Immerse yourself in organic fragrances by HelpUsGreen, a lifestyle
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pioneering“flower cycling”technology turning temple waste into
scented treasure.
and packaged neatly in green and clean materials. For years, we have
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⨠ 100% Natural Rose Ingredients
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
DESCRIPTION
rose dhoop sticks! Made with pure rose essential oil, these sticks are
perfect for filling any space with the uplifting scent of roses.
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1. Create A Calming Environment To Uplift Your Mood Rose
Dhoop Sticks
If you’re looking for a natural way to uplift your mood, then light up
our dhoop rose. Made from pure rose essential oils, envelop your
methods to create our products. Our natural dhoop rose sticks are
made with only natural ingredients and are charcoal free, great for
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3. Made By The Hands Of Rural Women
Each of our organic dhoop sticks are hand rolled by a dedicated team
Our rose dhoop sticks last for about an hour each, so you can enjoy
Utilizing pure essential rose oil is said to help decrease anxiety, ease
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PREMIUM
FRAGRANES BY
“HELPUSGREEN”
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⨠ Premium Loban Dhoop
Natural Ingredients
⨠ Hand-rolled by Rural Women
⨠ Long-lasting Fragrance
⨠ Burn Time: 40-45 minutes
⨠ Ethically sourced ingredients
DESCRIPTION
Dhoop Sticks
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Loban has been traditionally used to purify and cleanse the energies
which is believed to draw out the bad vibes while instilling fresh
create sacred spaces, cleanse the air, and bring about peace and
harmony.
materials for our White Sage Dhoop Sticks and recycled packaging.
This way, you can appreciate the wonderful scent of these incense
environment.
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Loban dhoop sticks are widely used in spiritual ceremonies as they
sustainable, but your purchase will also help these talented rural
online today.
Sticks
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The aromatic smell of loban is known to be beneficial for
work or study sessions - it's sure to help improve focus and clarity.
If you are looking for affordable dhoop sticks that last long, look no
Sage Dhoop Sticks are perfect! Each stick burns for up to 45 minutes,
filling your home with the natural scent of white sage. It's often used
tranquil environment.
Research has revealed that loban oil is a great way to keep your skin
looking youthful & vibrant. It helps to firm and tone the skin while
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reducing wrinkles & pores, leading to a more youthful appearance.
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Reference From Helpusgreen Website
Fragrance of Flowercycling
by Help Us Green November 25, 2020
saw flower waste choking water bodies in and around Kanpur, they
international markets.
flowers at temples, which at the end of the day would find their way
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Young entrepreneurs Ankit Agarwal and Karan Rastogi sought to
an impressive start.
clean the ghats (river banks) along the famous Ganga in Kanpur,
which had become extremely polluted with factory and flower waste.
Ankit Agarwal shared the idea with his childhood friend, Karan
a sustainable business model that would help clean up the waste. The
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of 100% handmade organic fertilisers (biofertilisers), incense sticks,
and dhoop cones that were made from the flower waste collected
already set on a path to success with their stable careers, yet they felt
While the unknown seemed exciting for two to-be entrepreneurs, the
authorities were surprised when the duo first approached them to take
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The duo set sail to start their business with an initial capital of Rs.
world. However, they didn’t lose hope; instead, they let it fuel the
innovative ideas to save money. So, they started with packaging with
discarded boxes from a local liquor packaging unit. They also made a
deal with the owner of the farm they operated from. The deal was to
Ecocert-certified farm.
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between us and any other company in the environmental
collect from coffee shops, such as Café Coffee Day and Barista in
After this, the duo decided to make something for the Indian market
cow dung. For this particular product, they opted for a more
packaging. The reason behind this was simple: the majority of the
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God on it. Additionally, they infused Tulsi (basil) seed cellulose with
the packaging cellulose. So, once someone has used our product
Yagya, they can simply sow the packaging, water it, and basil
which 98% was from exports. In the second year (FY 2017), we
production increases.
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Impressed with our initiatives, Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister,
our production. This new unit will be set up and start running in
April 2017.
religious festival on the banks of the Krishna River. While the project
the company currently does not have the bandwidth for the same.
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We can see the revenue of HELPUSGREEN of
20000000
18000000
16000000
14000000
12000000
10000000
8000000
6000000
4000000
2000000
0
2015 2017
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IN THE LIMELIGHT
In the process of making a mark in global markets, Help Us Green
winning aren’t about publicity for the brand. Ankit believes that
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TIME TO BLOSSOM
With the growth in demand, Help Us Green is working on its
orders from companies like Landmark Group and TCS. While the
orders were for as many as two lakh boxes, but with our current
once the Varanasi unit starts its operations. A tenfold increase should
producers are also jumping into the fray, but we are not worried. We
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get 10 to 15 calls daily from people trying to replicate the model.
ahead to seize the opportunity. Over the last few years, start-ups like
Help Us Green has been making its presence felt in the international
revenue”
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Awards
Besides tangible business results, awards bring
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