Innovation

Jrnalize makes their contributions to the UN SDGs by their unique innovative solution that focuses on environmental stability, locally made products, and mental well-being. By creating hand made, sustainable items which include sketchbooks for artists, illustrators, and organizers, Jrnalize corresponds directly with SDG 12 and SDG 15. Their environmentally conscious approach which includes recycling materials, incorporating sustainable methods such as bookbinding, and crafting with environment friendly materials, aims to reduce waste and aid a circular economy.

Jrnalizes commitment to aiding local handcrafters corresponds to SDG 8, which fosters local craftsmanship and ethical production. By promoting journaling as a form of practice for mental health and creative thinking, their business contributes indirectly to SDG 3 and in doing so emphasizes psychological benefits of reflective habits. Jrnalizes work reflects how small businesses that incorporate eco friendly practices and community focused approaches can have a meaningful contribution towards creating a more sustainable and creative future.

Inspiration

The creator of Jrnalize had a desire to take a step out of her comfort zone and discovered a passion for bookbinding and creating handmade products. When reflecting on her inspiration she said, “I got into it from a passion for art and discovered bookbinding from previous projects.” She encountered bookbinding while studying graphic design at university. Another inspiration point for her was observing other female creators who were creating projects. These creators inspired her to dive into the world of handcrafting and use it as an alternative to digital design. Another significant turning point in her path was the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. “ I enjoyed spending my time crafting these projects using my own materials,” she said. Working with her hands and producing unique, sustainable things at this time gave her a creative outlet and helped her to deal with the difficulties the lockdown presented.

Her desire to have a positive influence is reflected in her dedication to using eco-friendly production techniques. She emphasized her opinion of the significance of sustainable materials by stating, “The products used are always environmentally friendly so that people will be encouraged to buy it.” She wants to “inspire others that these small choices will make a difference” by promoting unique handmade goods and encouraging a culture that values sustainability, workmanship, and supporting regional artists. Her work is still centered around the idea of motivating people by ingenuity and thoughtful decisions. 

Overall impact

Founded in 2020, Jrnalize began contributing to sustainability through crafts of self-expression. The products that are primarily sold are eco-conscious sketchbooks and notebooks. This provides artists, illustrators, and all kinds of people a way to help the planet while being organized at the same time. Additionally, this highlights Jrnalize's support of UN SDG 12, Responsible Consumption and Production. The role of sustainable practices in product creation is vital for hitting the targets such as 12.5, to reduce waste generation through sustainable prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse by 2023. Another aspect of this innovation supports UN SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, by repurposing materials, minimizing the waste of product, and enhancing sustainability among communities by promoting the practice of recycling materials. Moreover, UN SDG 8 aligns with the contribution this local business is making towards the economy using Decent Work and Economic Growth. The values of Jrnalize promote sustainable economic growth, demonstrating targets such as 8.3, entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. These business attributes demonstrate sustainable contributions to economic growth. The other SDGs Jrnalize indirectly supports are SDG 13 Climate Action, SDG 3 Good-health and Well-being, and SDG 15 Life on Land. 

The short term effect of this innovation is helping to establish recognition to support local collaboration and become uniquely distinct in the art community. Using online platforms like Instagram, Jrnalize was able to promote themselves and the importance of purchasing sustainable products. In this way, it enabled Jrnalize to inspire others to choose sustainable products and demonstrate the demand for environmentally friendly art products. This highlights how impactful supporting sustainability is for small businesses to grow. 

Their long term goal is to expand the product line while maintaining a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Supporting community-based sustainability is demonstrated when growing and collaborating with local handcrafters. This inspires other artisans to consider environmental factors in their creations, the impact is seen with an increasing online exposure and ability to be demonstrated at exhibits sustainable art products. Jrnalize hopes to help the issue of climate change by using recycled materials and aims to promote psychological benefits from journaling. Collectively, these products can have a huge impact on sustainability and healthy communities. By continuing to innovate and partner with other businesses, Jrnalize's environmentally conscious products can show that the little steps to change go a long way. 

Business benefit

Jrnalze’s innovation benefits the business by offering a differentiation in its market and taking measures to help the issue of sustainability and responsible production. The focus on using eco-friendly methods makes Jrnalize unique and more personalized. Not only does Jrnalize care for the planet and promote sustainability but the customers who purchase the products do as well. This niche will appeal to environmentally conscious customers as well as encourage supporting handcrafted sustainability. Jrnalize has gained visibility from promoting themselves on platforms like Instagram. Participating in community exhibits to enhance brand reputation while fostering a community dedicated to supporting sustainability has created steady revenue growth for Jrnalize. 

That being said, this revenue can support product line expansion for a variety of different creative art tools. This commitment has already seen opportunities for new products like eco-friendly coaster calendars that have seen a demand for employee gifts and collaboration with other local businesses. This is an example of how increased product innovation can open doors to more markets. 

Moreover, Jrnalize’s environmental responsibility will spark interest in further investments for sustainable growth amongst the community while also encouraging the practice of recycling materials for artistic purposes. This creates more commitment to handmade and eco-conscious products which serves as a strong foundation for future ventures, and potential team expansion at Jrnalize. Ultimately, the innovations Jrnalize have developed positioned themselves to thrive in the eco-conscious market and prosper future opportunities. 

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Social and environmental benefit

The benefit Jrnalize provides society and the environment is through creating eco-friendly, handmade products that support sustainable consumption and artistic expression. For Jrnalize, using recycled materials and traditional book binding methods can minimize waste by reusing raw materials, and reducing the ecological footprint. This benefits the environment by supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 12 through practices of responsible production and creating sustainability amongst the community while encouraging customers to make conscious purchasing decisions and fostering a community with responsible environmental initiatives. 

From a societal level, Jrnalize supports the creative expression and local craftsmanship that inspires customers to not only pursue art with an ecological footprint, but also promotes the psychological benefits of being creative. This empowers artists, illustrators, and anyone whose hobby consists of expressing themselves using materials that align with environmental friendly values. Creating a sustainable community not only consists of eco-friendly practices, it also includes concern for mental well-being. Jrnalize promotes practices that enhance mental well-being and stimulates creativity. 

For the environment, Jrnalize has made a commitment to eco-friendly methods. These initiatives can have a ripple effect for inspiring other small businesses and consumers to adopt similar practices. The long term effects of this can lead to collaboration and strengthen the community ties further supporting the local economy. Jrnalize can advocate amongst the community an eco-conscious lifestyle that will positively impact the environment.

Interview

Lama Hamdallah, Founder

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