GreenSole Foundation is a registered not-for-profit organization that upcycles discarded footwear and industrial waste into comfortable slippers, school bags, and mats for underprivileged children across India. Founded by athletes, the organization restores dignity, supports education, and promotes environmental sustainability by reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions. 

In conversation with Mr. Shriyans Bhandari, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Greensole.

1. How is GreenSole Foundation addressing the dual challenge of footwear waste and lack of access among underserved communities?

At GreenSole Foundation, the core of our work lies in bridging the gap between footwear waste and the lack of access to basic footwear among underserved communities. We collect gently used shoes, refurbish them, and redistribute them to children and individuals in need. Through this process, we address two important issues simultaneously. On one hand, we reduce footwear waste and promote recycling, which contributes positively to environmental sustainability. On the other hand, we provide quality footwear to underprivileged children who otherwise may not have access to it, thereby creating meaningful social impact. In addition to environmental and social benefits, our initiative also generates economic impact by creating employment opportunities in the process of refurbishing and preparing footwear for distribution. These three pillars of social, environmental, and economic impact form the foundation of GreenSole’s work.

2. Could you share a few impactful stories or examples of how your initiatives have changed lives on the ground?

Over the years, we have documented several case studies that demonstrate the real impact of our work. Many children in rural areas walk barefoot to school due to the lack of proper footwear. After receiving refurbished shoes and school kits from GreenSole, their daily school journey becomes safer and more comfortable. In several instances, students have shared that they walk 8–10 kilometres to reach school, often under harsh weather conditions. Others travel through tall grass or uneven terrain where they fear injuries or even snake bites. Having proper footwear provides them with protection and confidence during these journeys. For many children, the shoes they receive from GreenSole are their very first personal pair of footwear. Previously, some relied on borrowed shoes from family members, while others had none at all. Something as simple as a pair of shoes can bring dignity, safety, and motivation to continue their education.

3. What role do corporations and CSR partnerships play in scaling your work across India?

Corporate partnerships and CSR initiatives play a crucial role in helping us scale our impact across India. Companies collaborate with us in multiple ways through voluntary footwear collection drives, donation of materials, and financial support. In India, CSR is mandatory for companies that meet certain financial criteria, and many organizations choose to support sustainability-focused initiatives like ours. These partnerships help us collect good-quality footwear, expand our refurbishment capacity, and reach more communities in need. CSR collaborations not only strengthen our operations but also enable employees and organizations to actively participate in creating environmental and social impact.

4. How do you ensure quality and hygiene while refurbishing and redistributing used footwear?

Ensuring quality and hygiene is a critical part of our refurbishment process. All collected footwear goes through a careful sorting and inspection stage. Shoes that are suitable for refurbishment are thoroughly cleaned, repaired where necessary, and refurbished to make them look and feel as good as new. Our team follows strict quality checks to ensure that the footwear is safe, durable, and comfortable before distribution. Over the years, we have continuously improved our processes to maintain high standards so that the recipients receive footwear that they can use confidently for their daily activities.

5. What message would you like to give to individuals on adopting more sustainable and responsible consumption habits?

Sustainability is the need of the hour, especially as India continues to grow as one of the world’s largest economies. Small individual actions can collectively create a significant positive impact. Instead of discarding usable items, people can choose to donate, recycle, or repurpose them. By supporting initiatives that promote circular economy practices, individuals can help reduce waste while also contributing to social causes. At GreenSole Foundation, we believe that something as simple as donating a pair of shoes can create a meaningful difference in someone’s life while also helping the planet.

In India, CSR is mandatory for companies that meet certain financial criteria, and many organizations choose to support sustainability-focused initiatives like ours. These partnerships help us collect good-quality footwear, expand our refurbishment capacity, and reach more communities in need.

CSR collaborations not only strengthen our operations but also enable employees and organizations to actively participate in creating environmental and social impact.

1. How do you ensure quality and hygiene while refurbishing and redistributing used footwear?

Ensuring quality and hygiene is a critical part of our refurbishment process. All collected footwear goes through a careful sorting and inspection stage. Shoes that are suitable for refurbishment are thoroughly cleaned, repaired where necessary, and refurbished to make them look and feel as good as new.

Our team follows strict quality checks to ensure that the footwear is safe, durable, and comfortable before distribution. Over the years, we have continuously improved our processes to maintain high standards so that the recipients receive footwear that they can use confidently for their daily activities. 

2.  What message would you like to give to individuals on adopting more sustainable and responsible consumption habits?

Sustainability is the need of the hour, especially as India continues to grow as one of the world’s largest economies. Small individual actions can collectively create a significant positive impact.

Instead of discarding usable items, people can choose to donate, recycle, or repurpose them. By supporting initiatives that promote circular economy practices, individuals can help reduce waste while also contributing to social causes.

At GreenSole Foundation, we believe that something as simple as donating a pair of shoes can create a meaningful difference in someone’s life while also helping the planet.