Project Sugam is a socially driven initiative by Enactus Jesus and Mary College that reimagines plastic waste as a resource rather than a burden. The project tackles three interconnected societal challenges namely open defecation, inadequate sanitation infrastructure, and plastic waste mismanagement, through sustainable, community-centered solutions
At its core, Project Sugam utilizes eco-bricks, plastic bottles tightly packed with non-biodegradable waste, to build durable, low-cost hygiene infrastructure. Alongside eco-brick dustbins and plastic crochet prototypes, the project strengthens both environmental impact and livelihood generation
Launched on August 29, 2023, the pilot eco-brick washroom at Kamla Market Police Station serves as the flagship model of Sugam’s vision. Built using 1,200 eco-bricks, the facility is publicly accessible, empowering thousands by providing hygienic sanitation while simultaneously addressing plastic waste
The project also includes large-scale awareness and collection drives, workshops, and women-led eco-brick production, making it a holistic model of environmental and social sustainability
Project Sugam has achieved several significant milestones that reflect its growing impact on social entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. The team successfully crowdfunded ₹2,10,303 through the Milaap platform, enabling the implementation and expansion of project activities. Internationally, Project Sugam was recognized among the Top 4 teams in the Race to Rethink Plastic at the Enactus World Cup, highlighting its innovative approach to plastic waste management. The project’s anti-plastic campaign, inaugurated by Padma Shri awardee Gautam Gambhir, led to the collection of an impressive 1,500 kg of plastic waste. Additionally, the team secured the First Runner-Up position at the SRCC C2P Social Entrepreneurship Summit, earning a cash prize of ₹30,000. Project Sugam has also been acknowledged by esteemed platforms such as WWF and Humans of Volunteering, while earlier, it received a ₹25,000 grant under the KPMG Business Ethics Program in 2020
Project Sugam’s innovative work has been featured by multiple prominent media outlets, including Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Akashvani, DNA, and ETV Bharat. This extensive coverage has helped amplify the project’s message and showcase its impact to a broader audience.
Project Sugam’s work spans infrastructure development, large-scale plastic collection drives, awareness-building campaigns, and livelihood generation. The centerpiece of its efforts is the eco-brick washroom inaugurated on 29 August 2023 at the Kamla Market Police Station Complex. Constructed using 1,200 eco-bricks, 3,900 fly ash bricks, and a filler slab roof supported by 250 clay pots, the washroom is an environmentally conscious and cost-effective structure equipped with sensor-based lighting. Serving an average of 250 people daily, over 43,800 annually, it offers dignified sanitation to communities that previously lacked hygienic facilities.
Beyond infrastructure, Project Sugam has led multiple plastic collection and awareness initiatives. The Stash the Trash 2.0 campaign resulted in the collection of 34.4 kg of plastic and 1,348 bottles, while the anti-plastic campaign with MP Gautam Gambhir generated an additional 1,500 kg of plastic waste. Workshops held at Heritage School, JMC, Sulabh Public School, and Dayanand Public School engaged over 350 students in sustainable waste practices. Campaigns such as Pick Your Brick, Less Plastic is Fantastic, and the Plastic-Free Resolution further extended public participation.
The project’s digital outreach has been equally impactful. With 111 posts on its Instagram account and 103 team members, each averaging 340 followers, Project Sugam achieved an estimated cumulative reach of 38,87,220 people. Additionally, the 20 reels posted garnered a combined 64,531 views. In terms of employment, the project created meaningful livelihood opportunities for four women beneficiaries, distributing ₹10,133 in salaries and ₹15,200 to Jaago Bharat Trust for eco-brick procurement
Project Sugam has generated substantial environmental benefits through the repurposing and responsible management of plastic waste. The construction of the eco-brick washroom itself reused 607.2 kg of plastic, preventing it from entering landfills, drains, or open dumping sites. Since 1 kg of unmanaged plastic waste is estimated to release 3 kg of CO₂ when burned or degraded, this diversion helped avoid 1,821.6 kg of carbon emissions. Additionally, the project incorporated 1,200 plastic bottles into the structure, further reducing emissions based on an estimate of 150 grams of CO₂ per bottle. In total, the washroom alone contributed to a carbon reduction of 2,001.6 kg.
Similarly, the Stash the Trash 2.0 campaign collected 1,348 plastic bottles and 34.4 kg of loose plastic, resulting in a combined carbon reduction of 305.4 kg. The large-scale anti-plastic campaign, inaugurated by MP Gautam Gambhir, diverted an extraordinary 1,500 kg of plastic waste, preventing 4,500 kg of CO₂ emissions. Altogether, Project Sugam’s interventions reduced carbon emissions by an estimated 6,807 kg. This measurable environmental impact underscores the project’s role in climate action, waste reduction, and sustainable ecosystem preservation.
Project Sugam’s multifaceted approach directly advances numerous Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its focus on sanitation access, waste management, community engagement, and economic inclusion. Under SDG 1 (No Poverty), the project has created livelihood opportunities for four underprivileged women, who collectively earned ₹10,133, while an additional ₹15,200 was disbursed to Jaago Bharat Trust for eco-brick procurement. These efforts uplift economically marginalized groups and contribute to sustained income generation.
In alignment with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), the eco-brick washroom drastically improves hygiene for over 43,800 users annually, reducing health risks associated with open defecation and unmanaged plastic waste. SDG 5 (Gender Equality) is reflected in the empowerment of women beneficiaries, who were trained, employed, and equipped with skills in eco-brick production, granting them financial independence and dignity.
Project Sugam strongly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by providing accessible and hygienic sanitation infrastructure in a high-footfall urban area. For SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), the project promotes green livelihoods and circular economy practices through eco-brick construction and plastic upcycling initiatives such as crochet-based product development.
With its innovative infrastructure, resource-efficient materials, and energy-saving features, the eco-brick washroom exemplifies SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). The project also advances SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by offering essential services and employment opportunities to underserved communities, helping bridge socio-economic gaps.
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) is addressed through the creation of low-cost, environmentally conscious sanitation solutions tailored to densely populated regions like Kamla Market. Project Sugam’s diversion of 2.14 tons of plastic waste and repurposing of 2,548 bottles supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), promoting resource circularity.
Through its carbon reduction of 6,807 kg, the project contributes meaningfully to SDG 13 (Climate Action). By preventing plastic leakage into water bodies and mitigating microplastic pollution, it further supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water). The project also helps protect terrestrial ecosystems under SDG 15 (Life on Land) by keeping plastic waste out of landfills and open dumping sites.
Finally, Project Sugam thrives on collaboration, fulfilling SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through partnerships with organizations such as Jaago Bharat Trust, Enactus Hamburg, multiple schools, NSS JMC, and the Robin Hood Army. With over 500 individuals engaged through workshops and campaigns, these partnerships amplify outreach, awareness, and collective action.
Project Sugam is a scalable, community-driven model that combines plastic waste management, sanitation infrastructure, and women’s empowerment. Through its initiatives, Sugam has demonstrated measurable environmental, social, and economic impact while building sustainable futures for underserved communities. Project Sugam continues to embody the spirit of innovation, responsibility, and inclusive growth, transforming waste into opportunity and challenges into change.
