Murari Mohini Devi Dasi (in white) with Vaishnavi and handloom goods (left), Julan Yatra Devi Dasi (right), the manager of the second hand store.

The Mayapur Clean and Green Team, led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, has initiated a second-hand recycling store to foster environmental sustainability in the Mayapur community.

With the steady influx and outgoing of devotees, there has long been a need for a platform where individuals leaving Mayapur can pass on unneeded items to those who can use them. Similarly, newly arriving devotees often bring unnecessary items to the Dham, and this initiative provides a way to ensure those goods find a purpose rather than sitting unused in storage or cupboards. 

By promoting the exchange of items such as clothes, books, toys, home articles, and devices, the project benefits not only devotees but also local residents who may be in need of affordable or even free items.  “There is always someone who can continue to use them even after us,” noted Murari, “And when we need an item, we can consider taking it second-hand. By doing this, we lighten the load on Mother Earth, with less pollution that comes from the production of objects. Instead of discarding those things that are a little broken, we can also try to fix them or transform them into something else.”

The Need for a Dedicated Space

The concept of a second-hand exchange took shape through the Share and Care Group on WhatsApp, where devotees can post items they wish to sell or donate. However, Murari Mohini Devi Dasi emphasized that a proper physical location, such as a shop or an apartment, is crucial to fully realize the potential of the initiative.

“A dedicated space would allow for the proper organization and upkeep of the donated goods,” said Murari. She further explained that the team continuously updates its stock while ensuring the quality of the items is maintained. A volunteer from the Mayapur Environmental Protection Team (MEPT) is also playing a key role by assisting Mayapur Clean and Green in organizing, cleaning, and treating the items for humidity to ensure they remain in excellent condition for reuse.

One of the volunteers, Raseshvari Devi Dasi, is actively involved in collaborating with Julan Yatra Devi Dasi, who takes care of the management of second-hand things and organizes the donation process. This ensures that items are treated for humidity and cleaned before they are offered to the community. “I found so many things of interest during the cleaning process,” said Raseshvari, adding that the second-hand shop is a practical way to encourage devotees not to discard usable items.

A Recycling Location

The second-hand store will also play a pivotal role in promoting recycling and reducing waste, fully aligned with the environmental goals of Mayapur Clean and Green. The shop will feature a diverse array of recycled goods, creatively displayed for devotees to browse. They include repurposed items like old pots (newly painted and perfect for planting) and recycled clothing crafted into durable doormats to showcase the initiative’s commitment to sustainability. 

An Open Library

Murari explained, “It could also serve as an open library for children and the wider community. Instead of constantly buying new books, we could borrow them, read them on-site, or take them home and return them later. We could even exchange books with one another.”

Community members have expressed their gratitude for the initiative. Katyayani Devi Dasi, a frequent participant in the upcycling shop, shared her appreciation for the project, saying, “I have already received many things for my family – books, toys, clothing, and more. The team at Mayapur Clean and Green is welcoming and helpful, and I’m grateful for this wonderful opportunity.”

This initiative is more than just about recycling; it’s about creating a culture of sustainability, service, and mutual support within the Mayapur community. By giving items a second life, the project helps reduce waste and significantly lowers the community’s carbon footprint.

How to Support the New Initiative

Funds collected through the second-hand exchange will be reinvested to improve further the services of Mayapur Clean and Green, which primarily focuses on environmental sustainability.

As the team continues to search for a permanent space, they encourage devotees and well-wishers to support the cause, either by offering donations or providing a location that could serve as the new home for this valuable service.

The second-hand shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Community members can contact them via WhatsApp at +918392022147 for more information or to get involved.

Follow and Donate

You can follow their service on social media platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. If you have questions, please email them.

To contribute, visit their new donation page and follow the instructions there. Most importantly, is to select “Mayapur Clean and Green” from the dropdown menu (see screenshot below).