The Problem and Motivation Behind
“We want our community to be very green and neat. Cleanliness should be the priority.” – Ansu.
Ansu (21-year-old) and his team grew up in a densely populated neighbourhood in Delhi, where they witnessed an alarming problem—huge amounts of fruit and vegetable waste piling up every day. Tonnes of organic waste are dumped daily across their neighbourhood, waste leading to environmental degradation and health problems.
At the same time, many young people in urban slums like theirs faced unemployment and limited access to decent work. Ansu and his team saw an opportunity to solve both problems at once: turning waste into income. They saw this waste as an opportunity that could be turned into useful products and generate income for them.
The Innovative Solution
“We produce floor cleaners using fruit and vegetable waste. It takes about three months, but it’s natural and not harmful for the skin.” – Ansu
When Ansu and his team joined the Youth Innovation and Action Lab (YIAL), they decided to tackle the problem of fruit and vegetable waste, turning them into eco-friendly products, including natural floor cleaners and manure. Using the Design Thinking process, they first looked into the common problems with chemical cleaners—such as skin irritation, environmental damage, and high costs. Then, they began experimenting with ways to produce natural cleaners using fruit and vegetable waste. After several rounds of testing, they developed a formula that was both effective and safe. They also received positive feedback during community testing, which gave them the confidence to begin full-scale production. “Seven out of eight people gave positive feedback,” Ansu proudly recalled.
They began by collecting discarded fruits and vegetables from nurseries and local vendors. Using fermentation techniques[1], they created bio-enzymes to produce natural household cleaning products. These products not only clean but are also safe for the skin and eco-friendly— When diluted, the water used to mop floors can even be poured into plants.
In their first production cycle, they manufactured 650 litres of floor cleaner and 350 kilograms of manure, all of which sold out through exhibitions and direct sales. The group generated 90,000 Rupees (about $1000) in profit. They also formalised their operations by registering a business — Green & Clean Enterprises. They also worked with branding experts to develop their logo and product packaging.
Lessons Learned and Addressing Challenges
“We were trained in digital and financial literacy. That helped us develop the idea—and we even got marketing training.” – Ansu
The Youth Innovation Lab support Ansu and his team through offering training and mentorship throughout the process of developing their solution, from concept development to market strategy. They got introduced them to sustainability practices, and learned how to do budgeting, manage their financials and pitch ideas. These skills helped transform their ideas into a real, functioning solution.
The group faced challenges in sourcing consistent quality waste materials, and the fermentation process demanded patience and precision. Weather also played a role—affecting how much raw material they could gather.
Reflecting on their experience, Ansu identified a major lesson learned for them:
Trust and teamwork are key to their success: Ansu and his team learned that building a solution from scratch requires more than just a good idea—it takes trust, collaboration, and shared commitment. Working together helped them stay motivated, adapt to challenges, and improve their product based on customer feedback. “This was the first time we developed something from scratch and sold it as a team,” Ansu shared.
Next Steps and Future Aspirations
“We started local, but we dream big. We want to build something that helps our community, our environment, and our youth.” – Ansu
Looking ahead, Green & Clean Enterprises plans to expand production, diversify their product line, and reach more households across India. Their long-term vision includes introducing other natural products like hand washes and dish cleaners—building a full range of sustainable cleaning alternatives.
They also aim to involve more youth in the production process, creating jobs and spreading awareness about green living. With ongoing support, they hope to scale up their operations, invest in better packaging, and establish formal distribution channels.
[1] Fermentation is a natural process where tiny living things called microbes (like bacteria or yeast) break down food and turn it into something new. In the case of bio-cleaners, fruit and vegetable waste is left to rest with water and sugar, and over time, it changes into a liquid that can clean floors—this is also due to fermentation.