About Paper Wings

In the midst of India's bustling urban landscapes, where waste often finds its way into landfills and the environment bears the brunt of human consumption, a story of transformation unfolds. At the heart of this story is ACT Paper Wings, a fair trade organization that weaves eco-friendly, upcycled handmade products into the fabric of both rural livelihoods and environmental consciousness.

ACT Paper Wings is an essential branch of ACTION CENTER FOR TRANSFORMATION (ACT), a non-profit social development organization rooted in Gurgaon, Haryana. ACT's mission is to empower rural women economically and socially, catalyzing change through capacity-building and innovative strategies. But it doesn't stop there. ACT's vision also encompasses a green and clean environment, weaving sustainability into the core of their initiatives.

In the journey that followed, ACT Paper Wings was born in 2012. It emerged as a beacon of hope, creating rural women livelihoods through the art of upcycling waste - predominantly old newspapers and other papers. Guided by Nilanjana Das, a visionary social entrepreneur, ACT Paper Wings became a channel for transformation, marrying passion with purpose.

The story starts with the collection campaigns and drives across the city, amassing old newspapers that are then transformed into raw material for the creative rural women. Their ingenious hands give new life to old papers, fashioning them into eco-friendly products that align with the demands of the modern world while nurturing an ethos of environmental responsibility.

The "why" behind ACT Paper Wings is multi-fold:
Upcycling Waste: By creatively transforming waste, ACT Paper Wings tackles waste management through upcycling, converting trash into valuable resources.Empowering Women: This initiative provides rural women with livelihood opportunities, offering them the chance to generate income while honing their creative skills.

Promoting Environmental Consciousness: Through their products, ACT Paper Wings sparks awareness and consciousness about the environment, encouraging consumers to be more mindful in their choices. Reducing Carbon Footprint: The endeavor contributes to a greener environment by reducing the carbon footprint associated with waste and resource consumption.

The journey of waste is transformed from corporate offices, schools, and shops to upcycling centers in various locations. In Bandhwari, Bhondsi, Gwalpahari, and Islamabad (PALWAL), rural women gather, crafting stunning utility products from the old newspapers that would otherwise go to waste. These women prove that with creativity and commitment, nothing is wasted - every piece of paper is reborn as a piece of art.

ACT Paper Wings has not only created a range of unique and sustainable products, but it has also ignited a movement of conscious consumption and environmental stewardship. Through their Experiential Center near Bhondsi on the Gurgaon-Sohna Road, ACT Paper Wings has become a beacon of change, proving that the power of transformation lies within our hands and our choices.

The story of ACT Paper Wings is a testament to the potential for positive change that exists when a visionary leader like Nilanjana Das teams up with determined rural women. By upcycling waste and fostering eco-friendly practices, they're weaving a narrative of hope, empowerment, and a greener future.