Displayed by GOONZ, a well-known Indian non-profit organisation that works at the intersection of urban waste and rural development, at a stall during TEDx Hyderabad 2026 on Sunday, this unique bag is crafted entirely from discarded neckties—materials most would consider waste. Yet in the hands of Goonj, these overlooked items are transformed into purposeful products that carry both utility and meaning.
This captures the essence of the initiative: even the smallest piece of cloth has value. Made from odds and ends of repurposed fabric, the bag is described not just as a product, but as a token of gratitude—reminding users that dignity can be restored through mindful reuse. This philosophy lies at the heart of Goonj’s work, where discarded materials become tools for inclusion, participation, and development.
The philosophy is simple but profound: nothing is truly waste. Every discarded item holds potential—if only we choose to see it differently.
For decades, Goonj has been working at the intersection of sustainability and social development, turning urban surplus into resources for rural empowerment. What society discards—old clothes, packaging materials, or even ties—becomes raw material for livelihood generation, community development, and restoring dignity to underserved populations. And TEDX Hyderabad has been providing a platform for many such NGOs
The upcycled tie bag is more than a product; it is a symbol of this ecosystem. Each piece represents hours of skilled labour, creative reuse, and a conscious effort to challenge the linear “use-and-throw” mindset. The ₹650 price tag reflects not just craftsmanship, but also the value of ethical production and social impact.
Goonj further displayed an innovative bag made from repurposed cassette tapes, demonstrating the potential of transforming discarded materials into functional products.
In a world grappling with mounting waste and widening inequalities, initiatives like these offer a compelling alternative narrative: waste can be wealth, and surplus can serve a purpose, said Viiveck Varma, Licensee of TEDX Hyderabad 2026
By redefining what we throw away, Goonj is not just recycling materials—it is rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and reshaping how we think about consumption itself.