Greenmyna: Couple’s Journey from Beach Cleanup to Sustainable Planners

Indian weddings! Colors, traditions, and joyous celebrations. However, hidden behind the lavish decor and sumptuous feasts is a concerning environmental impact. 

But pata hai? Ek typical three-day Indian wedding produces an average of 800 kilograms of wet waste and 1,500 kilograms of dry waste, comprising discarded decorations, surplus food, and single-use items.

But who cares? Baqiyo ka to nahi pata but a couple does cared and This changed their story

Ashwin Malwade and Nupur Agarwal started their journey towards eco-conscious living during a beach cleanup at Versova Beach in Mumbai. Ashwin (chief officer in the Merchant Navy), and Nupur (marketing professional) discovered a strong connection rooted in their mutual passion for environmental conservation. This accidental encounter not only blossomed into a romance but also inspired a shared mission. This lead to the creation of Greenmyna, a startup focused on sustainable event planning.

A Marriage to Remember

In 2020, when Ashwin and Nupur made the momentous decision to tie the knot, they were unwavering in their intention to ensure that their wedding reflected their core values and beliefs. Their innovative celebration in Pune can be described as truly revolutionary in conscious living. The couple chose upcycled decorations with locally sourced flowers, which they composted responsibly after the event, promoting sustainability. Duh! 

Nupur’s stunning bridal attire was beautifully crafted from her Mummy ki saree. Ashwin made a bold statement by opting for an environmentally-friendly baraat and utilizing electric vehicles instead of the traditional fuel-guzzling transport.

The couple curated every facet of their celebration, reflecting their deep commitment to sustainability and generosity. And the major thing they did was to ensure that leftover food was given to those in need, and they planted four trees for each guest. 

That is just amazing because 4 plants per person to offset the carbon emissions associated with their travel. Ab jitne bhi mehmaan le aaiye apne Earth ka to fayda hi hona hai! 

Even the wedding favors were a testament to their thoughtfulness, as they distributed sweets in beautifully engraved and reusable steel boxes featuring their initials. Beautiful! 

Their zero-waste wedding gathered immense admiration from not just the guests but also people watching videos and listening to accounts of this unique wedding. This motivated them to assist others in recreating the same enchanting, eco-friendly experience in their own celebrations. 

Time to Thrive: Greenmyna by Ashwin and Nupur 

So, Nupur and Ashwin were highly inspired by the wonderful memories and success of their own wedding experience. Thus, in 2020, the couple took the bold step of launching Greenmyna Sustainability Consultants. 

The startup’s name is drawn from the Green Myna, a bird known for its ecological awareness, symbolizing their commitment to sustainability. Its mission is to organize events that not only minimize environmental footprints but also maximize joy and overall impact for all involved. Through Greenmyna, the couple strive to redefine celebrations by prioritizing both fun and ecological responsibility by offering practical solutions such as reusable cutlery, sustainable decor, responsible waste management, and much more. 

Greenmyna offers a comprehensive range of services, including: 

• Eco-friendly tableware and decor made from renewable resources. 

• Innovative composting solutions for efficient waste management. 

• Tree-planting initiatives aimed at mitigating carbon emissions from events. 

• Applying responsible food management practices to reduce waste and facilitate the donation of surplus food. 

Notable Achievements of Greenmyna  

The impact of this venture has been substantial. Since its founding, Greenmyna has: 

• Composted 40,900 kilograms of waste. 

• Distributed more than 11,600 meals. 

• Offset over 6,200 kilograms of carbon. 

• Planted 1,850 trees. 

• Recycled 30,350 kilograms of dry waste. 

How Greenmyna Stands Out? 

Greenmyna is different from our conventional event planners due to the couple’s strategy and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. They begin with a thorough understanding of each client’s vision. Then they craft tailored solutions to seamlessly incorporate eco-friendly practices in client’s event. You know what, clients do not have to worry about unexpected costs, as the startup offers transparent pricing. 

Moreover, the couple offers exceptional quality events with their large network of eco-conscious vendors. Their hands-on approach guarantees that each celebration not only resonates with significance but also champions sustainability. This way they are perfectly aligned with their mission to create impactful, environmentally friendly festivities. 

A Path Full of Hurdles 

We all know, anything new but useful, always a no-no in the market. Arey we are so used to with easy but harmful things, that we find good things difficult. 

And this was the major challenge for the startup, to educate their clients about the importance of eco-friendly choices. Many people were doubtful, but the couple remained steadfast. 

They set several examples of how eco-conscious weddings could be just as unforgettable and stunning as their conventional counterparts. Finally, their dedication and hard work paid off because now couples throughout India to reevaluating their celebrations. Ashwin and Nupur made sustainability both accessible and attractive, and thus, have ignited a movement. 

Future Plans 

The couple is determined to elevate Greenmyna’s influence by inspiring more individuals to adopt sustainability in their celebrations. Their dream is very simple, just like any of us who care for our planet; an increase in zero-waste weddings to become the standard, and for people’s lives to be filled with eco-conscious practices. 

For them, every occasion gives us a chance to create a positive impact. Yes, we have numerous chances, but little do we pay attention, or should I say, we don’t want to pay attention. 

But their journey showcases the strength our belief system holds because significant changes start with intentions and small actions. 

Wo kehte hain na, jaisi niyat waisi barkat. 

This awesome couple is all about bringing together style and caring for the environment in their Indian celebrations. They’ve shown us that love and sustainability can totally go hand in hand. 

Follow their journey @Greenmyna 

Plan your next and every other gathering sustainably with Greenmyna.