Dr. Saji Varghese, Associate Professor of English and Coordinator of the Social Entrepreneurship Wing at Christ University, Bangalore, developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves—India’s fastest patent grant in 2018. In his TEDx talk, he shares how a kitchen experiment grew into a global social enterprise that tackles environmental challenges while creating livelihoods for rural women. His innovation has earned international recognition, including the UNDP Global Honeybee Award, MassChallenge Switzerland Award, and a felicitation by the United Nations on World Environment Day. In 2019, he was also part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to the Philippines.Dr Saji Varghese is Associate Professor, Department of English and Coordinator, Social Entrepreneurship Wing of Christ Incubation Centre at Christ University, Bangalore. He developed 100% biodegradable straws from fallen coconut leaves, an innovation that got the fastest patent granted in India in 2018. His commitment to sustainability combined with his innovative use of materials and processes has not just reduced plastic waste but also empowered urban poor and rural women who are employed at his venture. He is the Founder of Sunbird Straws which he started with two of his students and his start up now employs 118 women in coastal India. Dr. Saji Varghese was invited to be part of the Hon’ble President of India’s Business Delegation to Philippines in October 2019 and has won several national and international accolades such as the Global Honeybee Network Creativity and Inclusivity Innovation Appreciation Award organized through UNDP, the Mass Challenge Switzerland Award. He was Felicitated by United Nations in New Delhi on World Environment Day for his contribution to Social Impact and Sustainability. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx