Anjali Kallingal
Ananya Gulati
Kristy Brubaker
Macy McBurney
Western Michigan University
Timothy Palmer
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As we all know, plastic waste is a huge problem in the world and finding a solution to reduce it is of utmost importance. Sunbird Straws works with the purpose of reduction of plastic waste by providing the alternative for plastic straws that are made out of dried coconut leaves. The idea is literally the epitome of getting the best out of waste. As Mahatma Gandhi said, "Waste is only a resource in the wrong place."
Dr. Saji Varghese started the business in Bangalore, Karnataka, India in 2018. The idea of converting dried-up coconut leaves into biodegradable straws is highly innovative. The thought of processing leaves into something very useful and sustainable is a prodigious idea. Saving the environment by reducing plastic waste is the main motive of this company. Also, the innovative ideas do not end with the straws only. The company is also focusing on other aspects of sustainable development and has a plethora of new innovative ideas lined up for the future. The dried-up coconut leaves are processed in the manufacturing units and the final product is sold to various commercial businesses like cafes, breweries, etc.
Who knew that coconut leaves could be the solution for the huge amount of plastic waste? The company has shown us that in order to make big changes in society all we need to do is look around and find the feasible and effective solution born out of innovative ideas.
Dr. Saji Varghese, an associate professor at the Department of English says " I believe in creating more income-generating activities through sustainable innovation. Grass root innovations that can create entrepreneurial activities are one way India can be economically better for the rural communities and thus began my quest to focus on innovations that result in enterprises."
Professor Saji noticed some fallen dried coconut leaves while walking around the Christ (Deemed to be University) campus. Each fallen leaf resembled a drinking straw resulting in his epiphany moment that he could create an eco-friendly straw. Following several experiments in the incubation cell of the university, the world's first eco-friendly multilayered straws were developed with the help of students as members of the design team. Because coconut leaves generate natural wax, these straws also have antioxidant properties that make them a better alternative to plastic or paper straws.
Sunbird Straws is driven by a dream for a green tomorrow. Sustaining the environment and empowering rural communities, one green innovation at a time, lies at the heart of the company's philosophy.
Receptivity to our planet’s needs and sustainable development for our communities are two core values of Sunbird Straws. Re-purposing fallen coconut leaves, an agri-waste that would otherwise get burned, reduces already high levels of carbon emissions. Additionally, the innovation, reduces our dependence on plastics, thereby reducing plastic waste. Through creation of the business, therefore, the impact of Sunbird Straws is to help curb the plastic menace endangering our oceans and aquatic life, empower rural women by creating meaningful employment opportunities, and showcase how communities can profit through sustainable practices.
The innovation has had a strong impact on building the brand of the company. In its short lifetime, Sunbird Straws has earned multiple awards and recognition both in India and internationally. The innovation is a recipient of the prestigious Award of Best Innovation for Social Impact by the Climate Launchpad in Scotland in November 2018. Dr. Saji was also felicitated by the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India for his contribution to Social Entrepreneurship. The business innovation won the first position in Kochi in the ASSOCHAM’s Start-Up Launchap Series and recently received funding from NABARD of INR 65 Lakhs. The result has been tremendous growth with sales reaching 20 million straw orders across 10 countries and the expansion of rural opportunities across various states. Beyond reputation, the innovation has caught the eyes of multiple investors in this particular business model. The feasibility of this innovation is one of the main highlights of the growth of this business.
One of the main goals of the company is to provide employment to the woman in a rural area which is a great step towards woman empowerment in the difficult time of COVID. The company has already employed around two hundred women and aims to employ one thousand more in another year and support them in every possible manner like providing them with credit to support their household in the difficult times of COVID, flexible working hours, and numerous maternity benefits which is a great initiative. It will make women independent which is highly commendable.
Also, the company has a huge focus on saving aquatic life by reducing plastic waste, especially in coastal regions. The company teaches us the lesson that we have not inherited this environment from our ancestors, rather we have borrowed it from our future generation. So, providing stable income to poor people along with empowering women and sustainable development of the environment are some of the main benefits of the Sunbird company.
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Dr. Saji Varghese, Co-Founder
Sunbird Straws are environment-friendly and the first completely biodegradable straws created from dried coconut leaves. One coconut leaf produces nearly 200 straws. Making straws from natural waste draws on the circular economy, and empowers women in rural areas by creating sustainable employment opportunities.