BartanWali

Empowering Patna to Recycle, Reuse, and Support Livelihoods. The fashion industry produces as many global carbon emissions as aviation. Bartanwali is a community-driven platform designed specifically for the residents of Patna to tackle textile waste while creating meaningful work for the urban poor. Our app bridges the gap between modern city living and the time-honored Indian tradition of textile recycling, ensuring that your old clothes find a second life instead of ending up in a landfill. Why Use Bartanwali? Convenience at Your Doorstep: No more waiting for street vendors or carrying heavy bags. Schedule a pickup from your home or apartment building with just a few taps. Sustainable Impact: By selling, exchanging, or donating your old clothes, you directly reduce carbon emissions and promote a circular economy. Support Local Livelihoods: Your clothes are repaired and resold by residents of marginalized communities, including the Kamla Nehru Nagar slum, helping them generate a steady income. Safety & Security: Our app provides a secure and verified way for vendors to connect with residents in gated communities where entry is often restricted. The Story of the "Bartanwali" In North India, the "bartanwali" (the lady with the pots) has traditionally gone door-to-door, exchanging steel utensils for old clothes. However, rising temperatures and modern security barriers have made this vital work nearly impossible. The Bartanwali app digitizes this tradition. We allow a new generation of eco-conscious consumers to connect with vendors, removing the physical burden of wandering streets in 100-degree heat. How It Works: List Your Clothes: Select whether you want to sell, exchange, or donate. Schedule a Pickup: Choose a time that works for you. Vendor Connection: A verified vendor will come directly to your location. Track Your Impact: See how your contribution helps the environment and the local Patna community. About Us This app is a collaborative effort between the residents of Kamla Nehru Nagar, faculty, and students from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna, Patna University, and Johns Hopkins University. Join us in making Patna a cleaner, greener, and more equitable city. Download Bartanwali today and be a part of the textile revolution!