PHOOL.CO: Solving the Temple-Waste Problem
In India, there is a festival known as Makara Sakranti. During this festival, Hindus go to the Ganges River and take a bath in the water. And this is an exceptionally grand festival that is marked with tones of the flower waste that is thrown into the water. Likewise, other temple prayers result in flower waste. Experts and researchers believe that a massive amount of pesticides and toxic chemicals are sprayed on these flowers, which pose a significant threat to marine life in the Ganges River.
Phool.co provided the idea to reuse the wasted flower. Then after a continuous effort for 1.5 years and hours of endless struggle, Phool resulted in the concept of producing flower-cycled incense and vermin compost. Also, with the advanced Research and Development Phool has been successful in creating the biodegradable packaging and bio-leather from the flower waste.
Awards for Sustainable Development
For its efforts towards making sustainable products from flower waste recycling, Phool.co has received awards at International Level. The United Nations Young Leaders Award for Sustainable Development Goals, Momentum of Change Award at COP 2018 from United Nations, Asia sustainability Award 2020, Hong Kong Award Alquity Transforming Lives Awards, London, and Breaking the Wall of Science Award, Berlin.
Phool.co is playing a role that is worth appreciating. The idea of converting flowers into useful products is entirely novel. Moreover, it promotes the concept of recycling and reuse. Besides reducing the solid waste from the temples, it is preventing the water bodies from contamination caused by the pesticides and toxic chemicals that are sprayed on flowers.
Products at Phool
The Phool.Co provides a wide range of incense sticks. The products' primary list includes wellness packs, incense sticks, incense cones, DIY packs, refill packs, gift boxes, vermin compost, and Gulaal. Phool wellness pack includes fantastic products such as meditation pack, Phool mosquito pack, Phool Goodvibes Pack, aromatherapy pack, and devotion pack. Incense sticks of various flowers such as Citronella, Eucalyptus, Indian Rose, Jasmine, lavender, Nagchampa, and the list is so long.
Gift boxes include Phool Christmas Gift Box, Phool Classic Gift Box, Phool Durga Gift Box, Phool Ganesha Gift Box, etc. Similarly, each category has different products at quite a reasonable price.
Research and Development
Research and Development Phool.co has provided an alternative to the toxic polystyrene that is very dangerous for the environment and is discarded after a single-use. Phool.co has supplied with the solution to thermocol pollution by giving floral foam. Floral foam is 100% biodegradable and will not cause a threat to the environment if disposed of after use. It is also made from flower waste. Also, it is a cheaper product.
Sacred, Ethical and Humane
Phool collects the flowers from the temple daily, almost 8.4 tonnes of waste each day, reducing the overall waste volume. Flowers are recycled into charcoal free incense, vermicompost, or other biodegradable packaging material. The organization plays a role other than sustainability in women's empowerment and makes them earn a respectful and handsome livelihood for their families.
Phool.co has set an example for others. They are playing a role in creating environmentally friendly products. Moreover, reducing the solid waste from temples and saving the water of the Ganges river from pollution.
