Shilshila Acharya runs one of the largest plastic recycling networks in Nepal. Her waste management business Avni Ventures employs staff from marginalised communities and focuses on getting more women into the green sector.

Acharya played a leading role in the 2014 No Thanks, I Carry My Own Bag campaign, which led to a ban on plastic shopping bags.

The climate and waste educator is also behind a big annual clean-up in the Himalayas to remove rubbish left by mountaineers, collecting 119 tonnes since 2019.

Through her work, some of this waste is reused by indigenous craftswomen to create baskets, mats and jewellery to support their livelihoods.

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