19 local organizations to watch: Green Life Generation

Green Life Generation is a for-profit social enterprise that sources unused fabrics from garment factories, homes, and furniture manufacturers and turns them into handmade products crafted by female artisans. When hiring, Green Life Generation prioritizes single mothers, women over 35, women with disabilities, women with husbands in the informal labor sector, and women with caretaking responsibilities.

This circular economy business introduces unique, scalable approaches. For instance, its Green Life Boutique in Kengalla, Sri Lanka, launched a “No Cash, Only Trash” system. Through its “Bincoin” system, customers can exchange their waste for points at their store, which can then be put toward shopping at the boutique.

Green Life Generation is also committed to boosting the employability of its workers. Employees don’t join with a specific role but instead learn on the job, with hopes they will leave with a diverse set of skills.