Joel Stephen
Max Persaud
Patrick Brazill
Maya Marchan
St. John's University
Charles Wankel
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Earth and Me is a business focused on environmental sustainability and the education of zero-waste alternative products compared to the ones we currently use. Founded in 2020, Earth and Me aims to make changes in environmental norms and policy by initially starting locally and sustaining grassroots pressure in the community.
Earth and Me was initially created with the aim of education and sustainability with the products being sold. The business was founded by Kayli Kunkel and she thought about creating the business in June 2020 after being laid off from her previous job. From then, she saw an opportunity to buy from small-batch makers in bulk quantities, reducing prices, packaging, and overhead. What makes Earth and Me unique from other sustainable brands and businesses, are 1. Other business products focused on sustainability can be expensive and can be seen as luxury items that are sometimes unattainable. Earth and Me aims to be a more affordable and accessible option for sustainable products while setting a standard and trend for others to follow.
Earth and Me's innovation is that of a refill station that works in a "bring your own container system". This way, customers and members of the community can come into the store take as many essentials as they need in their containers, and checkout afterward. It is coined "the HomeGoods model". Through this program, they have been able to prevent over 12,000 containers from ending up in landfills. The business is also very active in creating workshops for the community to learn more about environmental justice so that they can create their own initiatives and make differences in their lifestyle.
The inspiration for the Earth and Me derived from Kayli's passion for environmental awareness and sustainability and this can really be seen in the range of products provided by the store. The innovation of the HomeGoods model was started out of trial and error and a necessity for change. To initially fill a container with detergent gallon size of project, it would take up to 20 minutes sometimes which was inconvenient and ineffective. From then, the idea for a refillable counter station was born. Kayli then hired a local architect and local builder to create the project using sustainable materials in order to bring the project to life. Kayli always has a desire to do more but also, do it right. Even though she had the idea for the refill station, she wanted to do it using sustainable products and staying local by providing employment to the community.
Kayli Kunkel started Earth & Me “because sustainability, quality, and affordability shouldn't be mutually exclusive.” Earth & Me is a zero waste wellness shop and re-fillery that offers a wide variety of sustainably-made home and self care products like bamboo straws, body cream, conditioner, recycled glass pitchers, and even toilet paper. Kayli started her business in June of 2020, when she was laid off from her full time desk job. She “saw an opportunity to buy from small-batch makers in bulk quantities, reducing prices, packaging, and overhead.” The first Earth & Me location was opened in Astoria, Queens, New York, Earth & Me has since opened an additional brick and mortar store located in Brooklyn, New York. At Earth & Me “ all products are carefully selected for their ethical and sustainable commitment through the supply chain.” The Packaging of goods at Earth & Me “prioritizes low-impact materials like post-consumer-waste paper, cornstarch packing peanuts, newsprint, or reused non-recyclable packaging material.” Earth & Me states that their purpose is to educate and support people on matters of sustainability and social justice.
Earth & Me has seen so much success in their four short years of business. They have done extraordinary things for the local community, environment, as well as other organizations and vendors. One short term effect of their innovation is their accomplishment of saving over 12,000 plastic containers from being placed in a landfill! Earth & Me accomplished this impressive feat in only one year just counting their refills. This information can be found on the Earth & Me Instagram @earthandme.nyc.
Earth & Me raises revenue by buying goods in bulk quantities which reduces prices, packaging, and overhead. The business has opened new markets around the world by offering their goods for online shopping to be shipped internationally. Earth & Me created a new service by creating refill stations for home and self care goods. While there was a small number of refill stations in New York City, Earth & Me was the first to offer refill stations offering home and self care goods. Earth & Me has also begun offering new services since their inception in 2020. They now accept clothing and glass jars for donations, to be recycled and reused. They also have brought on Chaiwalla, a local chai beverage shop, into their Astoria location, serving up authentic chai for all to enjoy. Earth & Me has hired multiple employees to fill various roles in their business, these roles include store managers, retail associates, and more. They promote employee well being and retention by having employees get involved with community events and workshops. At Earth & Me they aim to hire employees that believe in the company’s mission, as well as employees that take pride in the company.
Earth and Me, as a company, can benefit society and the environment in several ways:
Eco-friendly Products: Earth and Me offers a range of products that are eco-friendly, such as biodegradable packaging, reusable items, and products made from sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled materials. By providing these alternatives to conventional products, the company reduces the environmental impact of consumer goods.
Carbon Footprint Reduction: Earth and Me strives to reduce its carbon footprint by using renewable energy sources for production, minimizing transportation emissions, and implementing energy-efficient practices in its operations. By doing so, the company contributes to mitigating climate change and promoting a cleaner environment.
Environmental Education and Awareness: Earth and Me educates its customers about environmental issues and promotes sustainable living practices. Through blog posts, social media, or workshops, the company raises awareness about topics like recycling, conservation, and reducing waste, empowering individuals to make more environmentally friendly choices.
Environmental Advocacy: Earth and Me advocates for environmental policies that promote sustainability by leading the way by example with their innovation model.
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Earth and Me is a business that is focused on the education and awareness of the harmful dangers of single-use plastic and waste by providing zero-waste alternatives to essential products. Founded in 2020 by Kayli Kunkel, Earth and Me stores offer a full selection of zero-waste home and self-care products such as candles, notepads, soaps, toothbrushes, and much more. They also have community spaces to host events that educate the community on social justice initiatives.