Versova-based Swapnakshay Mitra Mandal, which has been making eco-friendly Ganpati idols from papier-mache and clay for the past four years, is going one step further. The mandal has launched a campaign to collect old and discarded wedding invitation cards, which will be upcycled and moulded into next year’s idols.

“Every year, we celebrate Ganeshotsav in an eco-friendly manner. Even our recent idol is also made from papier-mache and clay,” said Devendra Ambedkar, working president of the organisation. Wedding invitation cards are considered sacred in all religions. Everyone is perplexed about what to do with extra ones that have been lying around. So, this year we gave people an option. They can donate them,” Ambedkar added.