Laya, a remote highland community in Bhutan, is witnessing a quiet revolution led by women. Thanks to the ingenuity of SHE-Cycle Solutions, plastic waste that once littered the pristine landscape is now being transformed into useful, marketable products—bringing both environmental and economic benefits to the region.
The pioneering initiative, spearheaded by Chogyel Lhamo, founder of SHE-Cycle Solutions, focuses on empowering women through hands-on waste management training. Local residents are taught to convert discarded plastic materials into items like bags and mats. By turning what was once considered trash into valuable goods, the project offers a fresh source of income while educating the community on sustainable living.
Funded by the COMDEKS program under GEF-SGP UNDP in collaboration with the Royal Government of Bhutan, the project also supports the establishment of Gangla Namros—a community-led waste management group. This organization is responsible for overseeing the production and sale of recycled products, ensuring that profits stay within the community and contribute to long-term sustainability.
SHE-Cycle Solutions employs an integrated model that covers the entire lifecycle of waste management—from collection and sorting to the recycling and creation of new products. This model not only keeps plastic waste out of landfills and natural areas but also strengthens local resilience by fostering self-sufficiency among women in Laya.
“As we teach and learn together, we are building a future where waste becomes a resource, not a burden,” said Lhamo. “Our aim is to create communities that are both environmentally conscious and economically independent.”
The success of the program in Laya underscores a broader message: with the right support and innovation, even the most isolated communities can lead the way in combating pollution and championing sustainable change.
