Indian weddings are a spectacle of colours, traditions, and celebrations. However, beneath the opulent decor and elaborate feasts lies a significant environmental cost. The typical three-day Indian wedding generates an average of 800 kilograms of wet waste and 1,500 kilograms of dry waste, including discarded decorations, uneaten food, and single-use items. Amid this backdrop of wasteful festivities, a couple decided to rewrite the narrative and prove that grandeur can coexist with sustainability.
Ashwin Malwade and Nupur Agarwal’s journey into eco-conscious living began at a beach cleanup drive on Versova Beach, Mumbai. Ashwin, a chief officer in the Merchant Navy, and Nupur, a marketing professional, were united not just by love but also by a shared commitment to environmental conservation. Their chance meeting sparked both a romance and a mission, culminating in the founding of Greenmyna, a startup dedicated to sustainable event planning.
The beginning of a sustainable dream
When Ashwin and Nupur decided to marry in 2020, they were determined to align their wedding with their values. Their celebration in Pune was nothing short of revolutionary. The couple opted for upcycled decorations adorned with locally sourced flowers, which were composted after the event. Nupur’s bridal attire was crafted from her mother’s repurposed saree, while Ashwin’s baraat replaced traditional fuel-guzzling vehicles with electric ones, eliminating emissions.
The couple’s attention to detail extended to all aspects of their celebration. Leftover food was distributed to those in need, and they planted four trees for each guest to offset travel-related carbon emissions. Even the wedding favours were thoughtfully designed—sweets were distributed in reusable steel boxes engraved with the couple’s initials.
Their zero-waste wedding drew widespread admiration, inspiring them to help others replicate the same eco-friendly magic in their celebrations.
The birth of greenmyna
Motivated by the success of their own wedding, Ashwin and Nupur launched Greenmyna in 2020. Named after the environmentally conscious bird, the startup aims to create events that leave minimal environmental footprints while maximising joy and impact.
Greenmyna offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Reusable cutlery and decor crafted from sustainable materials.
- Composting solutions to manage waste effectively.
- Tree-planting initiatives to offset event-related carbon emissions.
- Responsible food management to minimise wastage and donate surplus.
The venture’s impact has been significant. Since its inception, Greenmyna has:
- Offset over 6,200 kilograms of carbon.
- Planted 1,850 trees.
- Distributed more than 11,600 meals.
- Recycled 30,350 kilograms of dry waste.
- Composted 40,900 kilograms of waste.
The couple’s meticulous approach and commitment to the environment distinguish Greenmyna from traditional event planners. Their process begins with understanding each client’s vision and crafting bespoke solutions that integrate sustainability.
Their transparent pricing ensures no surprises, while their extensive network of eco-conscious vendors guarantees quality. Most importantly, Ashwin and Nupur’s hands-on approach ensures every event aligns with their mission to make celebrations both meaningful and planet-friendly.
Building a sustainable startup in an industry driven by extravagance was no small feat. Educating clients about the importance of eco-conscious choices was a persistent challenge. Many were sceptical about balancing sustainability with traditional grandeur. However, Ashwin and Nupur persevered, showing that green weddings could be as memorable and beautiful as conventional ones.
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Greenmyna’s innovative approach has inspired couples across India to rethink their celebrations. By making sustainability accessible and appealing, Ashwin and Nupur have sparked a movement, transforming the way people view celebrations.
Looking ahead, Ashwin and Nupur aim to expand Greenmyna’s reach, encouraging more people to embrace sustainability in their celebrations. They envision a world where zero-waste weddings become the norm and eco-friendly practices extend beyond special occasions.
For Ashwin and Nupur, every event is an opportunity to make a difference—a chance to combine love for each other with a love for the planet. Their story is a testament to the idea that meaningful change often begins with small, deliberate steps.
By proving that grandeur can coexist with green practices, the couple has not only redefined Indian celebrations but also shown the world how love and sustainability can flourish together.
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