Sahar Mansoor, an environmental economist and social entrepreneur from Bengaluru, is transforming India’s approach to sustainability through her venture, Bare Necessities. What began as a personal commitment to a zero-waste lifestyle has evolved into a pioneering brand that champions ethical consumption, empowers women, and significantly reduces plastic waste.
Key Highlights:
- Inspiration from Ground Realities: While working with the SELCO Foundation, Sahar closely observed the challenges faced by waste pickers in Bengaluru. Witnessing their exposure to hazardous materials without proper protection motivated her to seek solutions that would alleviate their plight and promote sustainable practices.
- Founding Bare Necessities: In 2016, Sahar established Bare Necessities with the goal of offering eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. The brand focuses on creating personal care and home care items that are plastic-free, non-toxic, and ethically sourced.
- Product Range and Packaging: Bare Necessities offers a diverse array of products, including bamboo toothbrushes, compostable menstrual cups, organic soaps, and reusable straws. All products are packaged in recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
- Empowering Women: The enterprise is predominantly women-run, providing employment opportunities and skill development for women in Karnataka. By fostering an inclusive work environment, Bare Necessities contributes to both environmental sustainability and social empowerment.
- Educational Initiatives: Beyond product offerings, Bare Necessities serves as a knowledge hub, conducting workshops and online courses to educate individuals and organizations about zero-waste living and sustainable practices.
- Environmental Impact: To date, Bare Necessities has successfully diverted over 68 million units of plastic waste from landfills, demonstrating the tangible impact of conscious consumerism and sustainable business practices.
Sahar Mansoor’s journey exemplifies how individual commitment to sustainability can evolve into a broader movement, inspiring change at both community and national levels. Through Bare Necessities, she continues to advocate for a cleaner, more equitable world.
