N.B. resident has saving the earth in the bag
The Green Aura sells environmentally friendly bags, toys
BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer

NORTH BRUNSWICK — Divya Mahajan was working as a financial adviser until four years ago.

She worked for a national bank, handling projects while working late nights and extra hours.

With small children at home, she decided that she needed a change, and quit her job to start her own business.

Now, The Green Aura is based out of her North Brunswick home, and offers recycled bowls; lunch bags; biodegradable bags; wine and jar gift bags; handbags and totes made of jute, canvas or cotton; as well as wooden toys, bookmarks and key rings.

Most of the products cost under $20.

Mahajan said that she designs the products, which are then produced by about 40 women in India at a factory that she and her husband visit.

She said that growing up, she would always use a canvas or tote bag, and her grandmother would make them fancy, so considering India's textile mills and accelerated business climate, this seemed like a perfect fit.

"The way I was brought up, we did not use plastic bags," she said, noting that her family used things again and again.

The tote bags sold by The Green Aura are designed by owner Divya Mahajan but embroidered and handpainted by women in India.

Therefore, as the United States began talking more and more about "green" products, Mahajan realized her business experience could also help educate her own children, who are now 6 and 9 years old.

"I have kids and I really, really believe in global warming. I believe from what I do, my kids will reap the benefits," she said. "I'm giving lessons to my kids. I'm into the environment for the future. The earth is for me and for my kids and for future generations."

Another way she teaches her children is by donating some of the profits to benefit education in India, which could cost about $15 for one year of schooling, by supporting cancer research in the U.S. because she is a cancer survivor, and by hosting food drives through her company.

"If I do the right thing, I'm sure my kids will do the right thing," she said.

For more information, visit www.The- GreenAura.com or call 732-658-3409. Contact Jennifer Amato at

jamato@gmnews.com.