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Innovation Story Search

Showing 4701-4720 of 5593 results for

The Great Agriculture

The business wants the simple phrase of “Farm to Table” to come alive thru their innovation of making the Idle Lands here in the Philippines reach their full potential by the proper planning of specific seedlings or crops to be planted in a particular area for it to be harvested in due time. Doing the said initiative would then help many UN SGDs – No Poverty, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on land, and another business goal to a Zero Hunger.

Transforming coffee consumption / Transformando el consumo de café

"Currently, more than 80% of the wastewater resulting from human activities is discharged into rivers or the sea without any treatment, resulting in their pollution." (Unidas, s.f.). In the coffee sector, most coffee growers discard production waste into rivers due to a large amount of production, thus generating a destabilisation of the ecosystem, given that for its decomposition, it consumes too much oxygen from the water. (Fury, 2019).

From the above-mentioned problems Eat Coffee was born, seeking to solve the important problem in the sector, the first related to the management of the waste from coffee production and the second with a price not proportional to the cost of coffee production that is made to coffee growers. The company is focused on helping two objectives, the first is clean water and sanitation and the second is decent work and economic growth. Ana Gomez affirms: "The important thing is to do things right and not only help the environment but also teach the coffee growers to make their farms sustainable and from there to generate good income".

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“Actualmente más del 80% de las aguas residuales resultantes de actividades humanas se vierten en los ríos o el mar sin ningún tratamiento, lo que provoca su contaminación”. (Unidas, s.f.). En el sector cafetero la gran mayoría de los caficultores desechan los desperdicios de la producción a los ríos debido a la gran cantidad de producción, generando así una desestabilización del ecosistema dado que para su descomposición consume demasiado oxigeno del agua. (Fury, 2019)

A partir de las problemáticas mencionadas nace Eat Coffee buscando resolver el problema importante en el sector, la primera relacionada al manejo del desecho de los residuos de la producción de café y segunda con un precio no proporcional al costo de la producción de café que se le realiza a los caficultores. La empresa se encuentra enfocada en ayudar dos objetivos el primero es Agua limpia y saneamiento y el segundo trabajo decente y crecimiento económico. Ana Gómez afirma: “Lo importante es hacer las cosas bien y no solo ayudar al medio ambiente sino enseñarle a los caficultores a que sus fincas sean sostenibles y que a partir de allí puedan generar buenos ingresos”

Weaving Sustainable Future with Threads of Past

HapiHabi Wearable Weaves is a social enterprise that uplifts local Filipino weavers by transforming traditional weaves into fashionable daily wearables. This innovative business model provides a sustainable livelihood for the weavers and promotes cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. In doing so, HapiHabi directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.

Savoring Life's Palette: The Art of Good Food

Van Gogh is Bipolar (vGiB) has become a sanctuary for those seeking a mood boost. The restaurant, owned by Mr. Jetro Vin Rafael, has been a champion for mental health awareness and wellness for the past fourteen years. Mr. Jetro has created a welcoming space in his home where diners can hear about his experiences managing his mood disorder through homeopathic medicine and nutrition. The restaurant provides an unmatched dining experience that incorporates art, food, and mental health advocacy, all in a safe and secure environment.

At Van Gogh is Bipolar (vGiB), diners can enjoy more than just a meal. The restaurant strives to create an immersive and life-changing experience for its guests. The ambiance is peaceful and tranquil, with soft lighting, cozy chairs, and beautiful artwork adorning the walls. The menu at Van Gogh is Bipolar is just as unique as the experience. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, each one carefully crafted to promote wellness and mental health.

Van Gogh is Bipolar (vGiB) is more than just a restaurant. It is a beacon of hope and healing for those struggling with mental health issues. Mr. Jetro and his team have created a space where diners feel safe, supported, and uplifted. The restaurant is a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health and that there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Empowering Health, Enriching Minds

ABBA Personnel Services Inc. is a recruitment agency and the country’s top deployer of Filipino healthcare workers abroad. Their innovations include a unique scholarship program, hospital partnerships, and a specialized method of running the company via operations teams. As these concerns are mainly education and working methods, 2 SDGs are aimed to be addressed, specifically (1) Decent Work and Economic Growth and (2) Quality Education.

Beyond the Aroma: Sipping towards Sustainability

Monkey Grounds Coffee is a trailblazing eatery that emphasizes sustainable dining, offering an extensive menu of vegetarian and vegan options while actively supporting local farmers through initiatives like contract farming. Sourcing 80% of their plant-based products locally, they not only boost the local economy but also promote sustainable agricultural practices. This innovative approach addresses several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Zero Hunger, Responsible Consumption and Production, Gender Equality, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.

A Diet to Success

House of Monkeys Café is one of the restaurants in the Philippines that is trying to introduce the ketogenic diet and promote a healthier lifestyle. Since it started operating, the café’s actions aimed to revolutionize the perception of others towards ketogenic dining in the country. This innovation meets two UN Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being and Partnerships for the Goals.

Fashion Forward

Amid a global lockdown due to COVID-19, Rodge Julienne Santos and Sheangel Kakes Morales, students from the Ateneo de Manila University, founded Hello Habi as a pandemic passion project in 2020. While Rodge was passionate about fashion, Sheangel was equally interested in sustainability and ethics. Their combined efforts created Hello Habi, an online business that advocates for sustainable fashion. This micro-enterprise puts its advocacy at the forefront of business operations, raising awareness about adopting and living sustainable lifestyles by using its platform to educate consumers on slow fashion.

While the sudden growth of Hello Habi was unexpected by both co-owners, the small start-up eventually grew into an established Filipina-owned sustainable brand that continues to address the significance of responsible consumption and production. Despite the brand’s growth, Hello Habi sticks to its roots by practicing ethical labor. The business has truly made an impact on its employees’ lives by providing fair and livable wages while helping fund the education of one of its workers.

The waste of some is the treasure of others / El desperdicio de unos es el tesoro de otros

GRUM, as a carbon-neutral company, has an environmental commitment that prevents tree logging and promotes a shift towards resource efficiency, taking into account the ecosystems' capacity for recovery and the circular use of raw materials, water, and energy. By doing so, they are able to utilize over 86 kg of paper, transforming it into innovative products, manufactured by single mothers and young women who are neither studying nor working (referred to as 'ninis'), thus contributing to ODS 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, and ODS 13: Climate Action. Jeffrey, the co-founder of the company, mentions that "part of their commitment to the environment is to guide companies on how their waste can contribute to a circular economy, meaning closing the materials cycle."

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Cuando hablamos del cambio climático, generación de oxígeno, preservación de la biodiversidad del planeta y seguridad alimentaria existe una estrecha relación y afectación con la deforestación de los bosques del mundo. Se han perdido 178 millones de hectáreas desde 1990, y aunque en los últimos cincos años la tasa anual de deforestación se estimó en 10 millones de hectáreas, frente a los 12 millones de hectáreas en 2010-2015 y 16 millones de hectáreas en 1990-2000, no son en realidad buenas noticias porque no se está yendo lo suficientemente rápido, es así que en Colombia la deforestación para el 2022 ha llegado a 3.182.876 hectáreas y de estás corresponden 1.858.285 a la Amazonía según la ONU y el ministerio de ambiente de Colombia.

Por estas razones GRUM siendo una compañía carbono neutro tiene un compromiso medioambiental que impide la tala de árboles permitiendo migrar hacia un enfoque de eficiencia en el uso de los recursos, teniendo en cuenta la capacidad de recuperación de los ecosistemas y el uso circular de las materias primas, agua, energía y aprovechando así más de 86 kg de papel, transformándolos en productos innovadores, que son fabricados por mujeres cabezas de familia, mujeres “ninis” (que no estudian ni trabajan) contribuyendo así al ODS 11: Ciudades y comunidades sostenibles y el ODS 13: Acción por el clima. Jefrey Co-fundador de la compañía menciona “ que parte de su compromiso con el medio ambiente es en guiar a las compañías en cómo sus desperdicios pueden contribuir a una economía circular es decir con el cierre del ciclo de materias ”

Always summer / Siempre verano

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the textile and fashion industry is the second most polluting sector globally. This industry consumes vast amounts of water and is responsible for more carbon emissions than maritime transportation and international flights.

To address these concerns, Baruna seeks to contribute to objectives such as industry, innovation, and infrastructure by promoting sustainable consumption and production methods through the use of eco-friendly raw materials (fabrics, buttons, labels), nanotechnology, and personalized garments.

For Pia, "Innovation is the fusion of creativity and action, transforming ideas into tangible outcomes."

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Según la Conferencia de las Naciones Unidas sobre Comercio y Desarrollo (UNCTAD), el sector textil y de moda es el segundo más contaminante a nivel mundial; esta industria consume grandes cantidades de agua, y es responsable de más emisiones de carbono que los sectores de transporte marítimo y los vuelos internacionales.

Es por esto que desde Baruna se pueden realizar aportes a objetivos como industria, innovación e infraestructura; garantizando modalidades de consumo y producción sostenibles, a través de las materias primas empleadas (telas, botones, marquillas) nanotecnología y personalización de prendas.

Para Pia “La innovación es la combinación de creatividad y la acción es transformar las ideas en resultados tangibles”.

Reinventing Responsible Consumption with Small Actions / Reinventando el Consumo Responsable con Pequeñas Acciones

The global production of plastic has reached 400 million tons. In Colombia, annual plastic consumption amounts to 1.25 million tons, with a concerning 74% of packaging ending up in landfills. On an individual level, each Colombian discards an average of 24 kilograms of plastic per year. Every minute, one million plastic bottles are sold worldwide, contributing to the growing plastic waste crisis. Furthermore, the decomposition process of a single plastic bottle takes approximately 450 years.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for immediate action to address the global plastic consumption crisis and combat climate change. It is crucial to reduce plastic consumption, promote proper waste management practices, and explore sustainable alternatives to plastic.

At Mottainai Refill, their passion for environmental care and community drives them to make a difference. Their emphasis on the Refill system allows for a significant reduction in the consumption of single-use disposable plastics. Juliana and John express that, "At Mottainai, we provide consumers with the freedom to choose between acquiring durable containers or using existing ones, thereby promoting reuse and reducing the generation of plastic waste."

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La producción de plástico a nivel mundial ha alcanzado los 400 millones de toneladas. En Colombia, el consumo anual de plástico asciende a 1,25 millones de toneladas, con un preocupante 74% de los envases que terminan en rellenos sanitarios. A nivel individual, cada colombiano desecha un promedio de 24 kilogramos de plástico al año. Cada minuto se venden un millón de botellas de plástico en todo el mundo, lo que contribuye a la creciente crisis de los desechos plásticos. Además, el proceso de descomposición de una sola botella de plástico dura aproximadamente 450 años.

Estas estadísticas evidencian la necesidad apremiante de una acción inmediata para abordar la crisis mundial de consumo de plástico y combatir el cambio climático. Es crucial reducir el consumo de plástico, promover prácticas adecuadas de gestión de residuos y explorar alternativas sostenibles al plástico.

En Mottainai Refill, su pasión por el cuidado del medio ambiente y la comunidad los impulsa a marcar la diferencia. Su énfasis en el sistema de Refill permite reducir de manera significativa el consumo de plásticos desechables de un solo uso. Y para que esto suceda Juliana y John nos expresan que “En Mottainai, brindamos a los consumidores la libertad de elegir entre adquirir envases duraderos o utilizar los existentes, fomentando así la reutilización y disminuyendo la generación de residuos plásticos”.

Good Wood

Amidst the bustling market of home-furnishing social enterprises, there shines a company that resonates with Filipino heritage, embracing sustainability and embodying a sense of purpose. Enter Balay, a rising star that envisions becoming the leading distributor of Filipino-made home furnishings, accessories, and furniture. But what sets Balay apart from the rest? Let's delve into the world of Balay and discover the innovation that fuels their passion, the driving force behind their success.

At the heart of Balay's innovation lies their commitment to sustainability, self-awareness, and creative innovation. This forward-thinking company crafts high-quality, sustainable, and affordable Filipino-made home furnishings from locally sourced materials, primarily repurposed wood from Paete, Laguna. Their innovative approach revolves around utilizing eco-friendly materials, minimizing waste, and promoting the sustainable use of local resources.

The Eco-Eyewear: Lens to a Sustainable Future

Putting sustainability at its forefront, Wodd Philippines never fails to look back at the story that has ignited its pursuit of being an eco-fashion brand — one that advocates for more than just style and looks but creating products for the betterment of the environment. As the only sunglasses brand in the Philippines offering authentic bamboo sunglasses, Wodd has gained various awards throughout the years because of the uniqueness of its products and its strong commitment to sustainability in pursuit of contributing to climate action (SDG #13).

Weaving Threads of Change through Thrift

Real Thrift & Co. is a clothes thrifting business that breathes new life into many thrifted pieces of clothing. It achieves this through various ways, such as "reworking" pieces of cloth and creating "brand-new" clothing from multiple clothes and fabrics. The company also recycles plain clothes by tie-dyeing and restoring them to look more appealing than their previous condition. And lastly, the business itself thrives off purchasing and reselling used clothing at and affordable price, which in turn helps turn "would-be clothing waste" into lovable pieces for every person's wardrobe.

Clean Hands Today, Waste-Free Cities Tomorrow

Agwé Wash Pods is a social enterprise that sells soap dispensers and dissolvable hand wash pods that serve as refills. With the concept of reusability built into the design of the product, Agwé Wash Pods advocates for accessible hygiene solutions (SDG #6), responsible consumption and production of household goods (SDG #12), and decreased plastic waste that pollutes cities (SDG #11) and bodies of water (SDG #14).

Echoes of Empowerment: Giving Voice to the Voiceless

Pic-A-Talk is an innovative assistive application designed for children with special needs who face difficulties in verbal communication and require alternative means to express themselves. The application serves as a powerful tool, bridging the gap between these children and effective communication by conveying their thoughts and needs in real time.


Getting Employers Noticed and Loved

Combining strategy, design and technology, TalentView is an innovative Asia-based employer branding firm. Leveraging technology and data analytics, TalentView helps firms to become noticed and loved. By promoting inclusive hiring practices and facilitating targeted skill development, TalentView contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the emphasis on employer branding and fostering inclusive workplaces aligns with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) by promoting diversity and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their backgrounds. Additionally, it addresses SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by reducing unemployment and ensuring equal access to job opportunities.

“We help organizations communicate better what they offer to potential talents to employees and to stakeholders in general and part of the work that we do really allows us to elevate human capital standards.” - Anj Vera, Founder & CEO

The Coral Crusaders: A Reef-Safe Revolution

Magwayen Organics, Inc. (MAGWAI) is on a mission to preserve the Philippines' marine life while providing a product experience that its customers will adore. MAGWAI initially introduced a Reef-Safe Sunscreen as a means to decrease the chemical pollution that poses a threat to coral reefs. Furthermore, their quest for environmentally friendly options has resulted in the creation of additional products, such as plastic-free Shampoo Bars and multi-purpose towels crafted from recycled plastic bottles, demonstrating their dedication to caring for marine life.

The innovation involves caring for and preserving marine life by creating personal care products that are friendly to the marine environment in the Philippines while enabling consumers to transition to effective and sustainable alternatives. The primary UN Sustainable Development Goal that MAGWAI meet is SGD No. 15: Life Below Water.

Reforestation of Native Forests for Future Generations / Reforestación de Bosques Nativos para las Generaciones Futuras

Bosque Nagal aims to further contribute to the reduction of deforestation in the country by planting trees in native Colombian forests with the support of national or international companies and the local community. As there are still many hectares being deforested in the country, Bosque Nagal seeks to make a difference. According to CEO Camilo Navarro, their goal is to "transcend beyond simple tree planting and become a platform for environmental change." Planting trees in native Colombian forests with the help of local communities will help reduce the impact on forests, and this model can be replicated in other countries.

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Como lo menciona la Universidad de Maryland en el Global Forest Watch, en el año 2022 el planeta perdió 4,1 millones de hectáreas de bosques primarios tropicales, un incremento del 10% en comparación con el año anterior. A diferencia de Colombia que como lo menciona el ministerio de ambiente, en el 2021 tuvo una pérdida de 174.103 hectáreas de cobertura forestal y para el 2022 la deforestación fue de 156.693 hectáreas, lo cual muestra que esta afectación decreció en aproximadamente un 10 % de un año a otro.

Es por esto que desde Bosque Nagal pretenden contribuir aún más en la reducción de la deforestación en el país, sembrando árboles en los bosques nativos Colombianos con ayuda de las empresas nacionales o internacionales y la comunidad para que sean cada vez menos bosques afectados ya que siguen siento aún muchas las hectáreas de las que se tienen registro que están siendo taladas en el país.

Por esta razón, como lo menciona su CEO Camilo Navarro, Bosque Nagal pretende contribuir a esta reducción de la deforestación del país con la mentalidad de “trascender más allá de la simple siembra de árboles y convertirnos en una plataforma de cambio ambiental”. Sembrar árboles en los bosques nativos colombianos con ayuda de las comunidades del territorio para que cada vez sean menos los bosques afectados y que este modelo permite ser replicado para otros países.

Regenerative Skincare

Thrive Care delivers completely natural skincare products made of organically grown and potent plants that not only enrich the skin with minerals and vitamins, but also beneficially impact the environment they grow in. The company deploys innovational methods of regenerative practices with the direct participation of local farmers, including women-led cooperatives; thus, contributing to their well-being as well as to the comprehensive development of the areas of business operations. Consequently, as many as 7 Global Goals are prioritized to be addressed within Thrive Care's mission.