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Project Sugam

Project Sugam is a socially driven initiative by Enactus Jesus and Mary College that envisions a circular economy where plastic waste is turned into opportunity. Its mission is to tackle interlinked societal issues such as open defecation, poor sanitation infrastructure, and plastic waste mismanagement by creating eco-friendly solutions that empower communities and promote sustainable living.

At the core of the project is the innovative use of eco-bricks, which are plastic bottles tightly packed with non-biodegradable waste and repurposed to build durable, low-cost infrastructure in areas that need it most. Through this model, we aim to create long-term social and environmental impact while promoting inclusion, dignity, and awareness.

The Problems We Solve

Open Defecation

A large part of India’s population still practices open defecation, leading to serious health risks, lack of privacy, and loss of dignity, especially for women and children.

Poor Sanitation

Many urban and rural areas continue to lack access to hygienic, safe, and affordable sanitation facilities, contributing to the spread of disease and poor public health outcomes.

Waste mismanagement

Thousands of tonnes of plastic waste are generated every day, a significant portion of which remains unsegregated and uncollected. This contributes to land and water pollution and long-term environmental degradation.

Our Journey and Milestones

2019

Collected 1,500 kg of plastic through an anti-plastic campaign inaugurated by Padma Shri Gautam Gambhir.

2020

Crowdfunded ₹2,10,303 through the Milaap platform.
Collaborated with Enactus Hamburg for the Plastic-Free Resolution campaign.
Organised a ‘Best out of Waste’ competition in partnership with the Robin Hood Army.

2021

Secured first runner-up position at the SRCC C2P Social Entrepreneurship Summit, winning ₹30,000.
Launched the #PickYourBrick campaign to promote eco-bricks.
Led a plastic-centric panel discussion at Advitya 1.0, an international student-led event.
Ranked among the top four teams globally in the Race to Rethink Plastic at the Enactus World Cup.

2022

Recognised by WWF and Humans of Volunteering for environmental contribution.
Conducted Stash the Trash 1.0, a five-day campaign that collected 1,378 plastic bottles.

2023

Inaugurated the pilot eco-brick washroom at the Kamla Market Police Station Complex, Ajmeri Gate.
Conducted Stash the Trash 2.0, collecting 34.4 kg of single-use plastic in five days.
Held eco-brick workshops at Sulabh Public School and with NSS JMC.
Designed and prototyped an eco-brick-based dustbin.

2024

Successfully created a plarn crochet coin purse and two keychains, developed in collaboration with Bruno’s Crocheting.
Conducted four field visits to monitor and maintain the pilot washroom.
Organised eco-brick workshops at The Heritage School and Jesus and Mary College (in collaboration with NSS and the Green Society), leading to the collection of approximately 100 eco-bricks.
Produced over 200 eco-bricks internally as part of the team’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Our Impact

Plastic Recycle

Over 1,900 kilograms of single-use plastic diverted from landfills and water bodies.

Infrastructure Developed

So far, our eco-brick washroom has catered to over 25,000 users, providing access to safe and sustainable sanitation facilities on a daily basis.

Employment Created

Four women from underprivileged backgrounds were trained and employed in the construction and maintenance processes.

Community Reach

Our initiatives have reached over 1.2 million individuals indirectly through campaigns, events, and awareness drives.

Educational Outreach

We have conducted hands-on eco-brick workshops in schools, reaching more than 100 students and volunteers.

Funding and Revenue

Raised Rs. 2,10,303 through grants and crowdfunding, including Rs. 2,00,000 from Milaap, Rs. 25,000 from KPMG, and Rs. 30,000 through competitions.

Sustainable Development Goals

Project Sugam contributes to 13 out of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These include Clean Water and Sanitation, Gender Equality, Responsible Consumption and Production, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Jaago Bharat Trust

Partnered to contribute eco-bricks for our washroom and explored future washroom projects.

Bruno’s Crocheting

Developed all prototypes for plastic crochet products and supported our diversification efforts.

Sulabh Public School and The Heritage School

Conducted workshops and awareness programs for students.


KPMG and Milaap

Provided financial support for construction and expansion.

Media Partners

Project Sugam has been covered by leading publications such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India, The Indian Express, DNA, ETV Bharat, All India Radio, and The Culture Wire.