Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Women in India show secret to plastic-free shopping

SECRET PROJECTS, a social business that strives to empower women in India who make and sell clothing and homeware, has unveiled a product that aims to reduce plastic use.

Their foldable shopping bags, priced at £6 each, are part of their micro- enterprise scheme that aims to provide Indian women with an additional income. These bags are also an


alternative to plastic shopping bags.

Launched following a crowdfunding campaign in February that saw 143 backers pledging more than £5,000, these bags are made out of cotton and sold to local shop keepers

in India. They can also be bought online too.

Fritha Mason, the founder of Secret Projects, decided on the Secret Shopping Bag after the Indian government announced last year its vision to phase all single-use plastics by 2022.

This created a huge opportunity for the women living in India who stitch and who are trying to run their own micro enterprises, said Mason.

Secret Projects works with 14 women’s groups in five states of India, and for each bag they earn just over £2.

More For You

Diwali London

The Mayor said Diwali celebrations in the “most famous square in the world” represent why London is the “greatest city in the world”.

X/@MayorofLondon

Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a festival of unity

Highlights:

  • Sadiq Khan calls Diwali on the Square a “festival of unity” celebrating London’s diversity.
  • Thousands gathered at Trafalgar Square for music, dance, food and family-friendly activities.
  • Organised by Diwali in London Committee with Chinmaya Mission UK as chair.
  • Deputy High Commissioner Kartik Pande calls Diwali a symbol of India-UK friendship.

MAYOR of London Sadiq Khan described this year’s Diwali on the Square at Trafalgar Square as a festival of unity that brought hundreds of people together over the weekend.

Keep ReadingShow less