Indian weddings are often celebrated with grandeur, but they come at a staggering cost — not just financially but also environmentally. According to industry experts, an average three-day Indian wedding produces about 800 kilograms of wet waste and 1,500 kilograms of dry waste, from single-use decorations to uneaten food.
The environmental impact of these celebrations is undeniable, prompting many to ask whether there is a more sustainable way to tie the knot.
Ashwin Malwade, a chief officer in the Merchant Navy, and his wife, Nupur Agarwal, a marketing professional, answered this question with a resounding yes. The couple, who first met during a beach cleanup drive on Mumbai’s Versova Beach, decided to turn their shared passion for the environment into action by hosting a zero-waste wedding.
Their wedding in Pune was a model of sustainability. The decoration was crafted from upcycled materials and adorned with locally sourced flowers, all of which were composted post-event. Nupur wore a stunning lehenga made from her mother’s repurposed saree, while Ashwin’s baraat arrived in electric vehicles, eliminating emissions from the traditional procession.
Leftover food was distributed to those in need, and the couple planted four trees for each guest to offset the carbon emissions from travel. Even the sweets were distributed in steel boxes engraved with their initials! The couple emphasised the importance of aligning their wedding with their values, prioritising an eco-conscious celebration.
Ashwin and Nupur’s cool, sustainable wedding received an overwhelmingly positive response. And thus, they were inspired to found ‘Greenmyna’, a startup that helps people organise eco-friendly events. Founded in 2020, the venture offers practical solutions such as reusable cutlery, sustainable decor, and responsible waste management.
Their efforts have had a measurable impact, including mitigating over 3,000 kilograms of carbon emissions and planting more than 300 trees. The duo has also donated thousands of meals and composted 8,800 kilograms of waste through their initiative.
Through their venture, the couple is proving that eco-conscious celebrations can be both impactful and breathtakingly beautiful, benefiting both people and the environment.
Ashwin and Nupur’s story demonstrates that love for each other and the planet can go hand in hand, inspiring countless couples to celebrate their special day with an eco-conscious touch.
Edited by Khushi Arora.
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