The problem of waste pollution in cities like Kathmandu is inescapable. 

According to the Waste Management Baseline Survey of Nepal 2020, 33.3 percent of the total waste produced in cities and municipalities are inorganic–plastic, glass, rubber, metals, etc. 

Strikingly, only half of this waste is recycled. 

Deego Nepal was born of the idea of putting everyday non-recycled waste materials to a sustainable use. The company makes and sells affordable eco-friendly daily lifestyle products out of discarded waste products.

“We offer our clients the option of living sustainably and contributing to the solution of the plastic waste problem,” says Anjana Malla, who co-founded Deego along with Rajani Gurung and Mahalaxmi Shrestha. 

The company started in early 2020 with the intent of creating an environment-friendly and socially-impactful brand. 

The three women started with a modest investment of Rs 31,000. In early days, they experimented with different products and studied what the consumers wanted.

“We wanted to create something unique that the mainstream market hadn’t seen before,” says Malla. 

As Deego started selling its products, its co-founders got a better understanding of  customer needs and investment venues. 

For instance, their dishwashing sponge and body scrub made from the loofah plant were an instant hit.  

Deego also started collaborating with women from the indigenous Tharu community in Bardiya district.  With locally available resources, these women have incorporated their indigenous craftsmanship and modern designs to create various products like bread- and fruit-baskets. 

Within a short time, Deego’s product range has expanded – and so has the company’s team. Today, Deego has its own team of artists, embroiderers and sewing experts: 13 full-time employees in all.  

By providing sustainable eco-friendly lifestyle products, Deego is teaching people the importance of being environmentally conscious. “Our aim is to promote a green lifestyle not through big lifestyle changes but through small steps,” says Malla. 

Deego mostly sells products through social media platforms, and on Saturdays, sets up kiosks at farmers’ markets, malls and cafes in different parts of Kathmandu Valley. 

The team has plans of upscaling production as its consumer base is expanding.

“We want to multiply our resources and production based on the demand,” says Malla. “But sustainable, environment-friendly living will always be the focus  of our products.” 

The company is proud of having played a part in the creation of environmentally-aware and socially-responsible customers.

“It is impossible to suddenly switch to a 100 percent sustainable life,” Malla says. “But we can contribute a lot to our environment just by making small changes. A small step is all it takes.”

Deego Nepal

Establish year: 2020
Co-founders: Anjana Malla, Rajani Gurung, Mahalaxmi Shrestha
Service location: All over Nepal
Price of product: Loofah Round scrubber: Rs 290, Dishwashing sponge: Rs 60, Rotibasket: Rs 970, Fruit basket ranges: from Rs 675 to Rs 1650, Mask: Rs 180/200, Tote bag: Rs 760/1250, 
Contact: 9849835559
Social media link: https://www.instagram.com/deego_nepal/