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Innovation Story Search

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Better Work Practices Means Better Ice Cream

Tubby Robot Ice Cream Factory is a beloved local ice cream shop that prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and suppliers. While committed to ensuring all groups are both welcome and safe as both employees Tubby Robot seeks to solve SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities and SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth, while advocating for underrepresented groups within a workplace, and also providing their employees with opportunities to flourish in the workplace.

Tradition and Transformation in Italian Cuisine

Sazio, an Italian restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, emphasizes community engagement and sustainability. While excelling in the Community category, it aims to improve in the Environment, Governance, and Customer categories. By implementing solutions like reducing food waste and sourcing locally, Sazio aims to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and 2: Zero Hunger. Additionally, supporting employee well-being with programs for mental health and access to healthcare contributes to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, fostering a happier workforce and enhancing overall sustainability efforts.






Bringing Benefit to Bookkeeping

Founded in Philadelphia in 2022, B Balanced CPA is a mission-driven accounting firm that aims to support small businesses beyond solely managing their finances. CEO, Danielle Reasoner, strives to provide her clients with a financial perspective that allows their mission-driven dreams to become reality. By aligning her client's finances with their mission and vision, they are empowered to make a greater impact on the communities they serve. With Danielle, clients receive a sound financial plan that Is aligned with their goals as a company. B Balanced CPA offers a refreshing new business mission that goes far and beyond normal accounting service and ultimately seeks to help make a positive difference within the community.

Plant-Powered Passion: How a Vegan Food Company is Revolutionizing the Culinary Landscape

LUHV Foods is determined to make the world a better place. All products are vegan, nutritious, sustainable, and plastic-negative. All products taste good and are suitable for the environment. The company aims to reduce hunger by providing affordable and healthy options. This goal connects them to SDG #2, zero hunger, and SDG #3, good health and well-being. Their prices are meager, making it easier for most people to afford, and their food is naturally healthy, contributing to people's healthy lifestyles.


Take Pictures and Only Leave Footprints

Envy Experiences promotes sustainable tourism through climate-positive tours of Milford Sound, directly addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action). By prioritizing local ownership and eco-friendly transportation, the company contributes to Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), fostering economic growth while minimizing environmental impact within the difficult to decarbonize tourism sector.

Exploring Biodynamics

Lightfoot & Wolfville is the first and only winery in Nova Scotia, and one of just a small handful across Canada, to achieve the stringent Demeter biodynamic certification. Biodynamics is the world’s oldest system of organic or regenerative agriculture; a global movement that promotes a uniquely holistic approach to organic agriculture, gardening, food, and winegrowing. Today, biodynamic farming is regarded as one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture in the world. At its core, biodynamic farming is a holistic vision of the farm as a self-sustaining, living ecosystem, achieved through the integration of plants, livestock, and inhabitants of the property.

This whole-farm approach takes into consideration all of the elements surrounding the grape vines: the soil, the plants, and the aerial environment, and pays respect to how they all interact. The ultimate goal of biodynamic farming is to create an enlivened, balanced ecosystem in a self-sustaining way supporting biodiversity and contributing to the solution of sustainable development goal eleven, sustainable cities and communities, goal number twelve, responsible consumption and production, and goal number thirteen, climate action to name three.

A Promising Future for Regenerative Farming

DeLong Farms employs regenerative farming techniques, aiming to enhance soil and environmental conditions for the benefit of future generations. An example of the work they do is their SMART Christmas tree seedlings and a community farm stand. Through their work, the business seeks to provide a better-maintained land, water, and climate which correlates highly with SDG 13, Climate Action.

The power of Metamorfica Lab in the recycling / El poder de Metarmorfica Lab en el reciclaje

Only 9% of plastics worldwide are recycled; 17% is incinerated, 22% is not controlled, and 46% is thrown into landfills flowing through rivers to reach the ocean according to the UN report, “Beyond an era of waste: converting garbage to a resource”

In Colombia, it is estimated that 700,500 tons of plastic containers and packaging are generated annually, but only 30% is recycled into new packaging.

The founders of Metarmorphica Lab decided to confront the problem, be part of the change and see an opportunity to help the environment by recycling waste transforming it into everyday products. Metamórfica Lab not only creates furniture but also positive change in society and the planet. Its innovation is a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future.

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En el mundo solo el 9 % de los plásticos a nivel mundial se recicla; apenas el 17 % es incinerado, el 22 % no se controla, y el 46 % se echa a los vertederos, fluyendo por los ríos hasta llegar al océano, según el informe de la ONU “Más allá de una era de residuos: convertir la basura en un recurso” indican el aumento de residuos a nivel mundial que pasará de 2.1 mil millones de toneladas por año desde el año 2020 al año 2050 aumentará a 3.8 mil millones de toneladas de residuos por año. En Colombia se calcula que se generan anualmente 700.500 toneladas de envases y empaques plásticos, pero solo el 30% se recicla en nuevos empaques.

A raíz de esta problemática las fundadoras de Metarmorfica Lab decidieron confrontar la problemática, ser parte del cambio y ver una oportunidad de ayudar al medio ambiente y los residuos de reciclaje para transfórmalos y productos de uso cotidiano creando un proyecto innovador y que su materia prima sea. 100% reciclada. Metamórfica Lab no solo crea muebles, sino también un cambio positivo en la sociedad y el planeta. Su innovación es un faro de esperanza para un futuro más sostenible.

Transforming air for a more sustainable world/ Transformando el aire para un mundo más sostenible

Ecolair emerges in a global context characterized by the urgency of addressing environmental challenges, especially in the area of air quality and climate change. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution is responsible for 6.7 million premature deaths each year and is one of the main environmental health problems worldwide. In Colombia, the Air Quality of Life Index (AQLI) revealed that fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) shortens the average life expectancy of Colombians by 10 months.

As Mariana Perez, Ecolair's project manager, points out, "Our innovation not only improves air quality, but also addresses environmental and health challenges, creating a positive impact on society and the planet." This statement highlights the importance of the company's innovation in creating concrete solutions to combat air pollution and reduce negative impacts on public health and the environment. The technology developed by Ecolair aims to directly address these problems, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for local and global communities.

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Ecolair surge en un contexto global caracterizado por la urgencia de abordar los desafíos ambientales, especialmente en el ámbito de la calidad del aire y el cambio climático. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), la contaminación del aire es responsable de 6,7 millones de muertes prematuras cada año, siendo uno de los principales problemas de salud ambiental a nivel mundial. En Colombia, el Índice de Calidad de Vida del Aire (AQLI) reveló que la contaminación atmosférica por partículas finas (PM2,5), acorta en 10 meses la expectativa de vida que tienen en promedio los colombianos.

Como señala Mariana Pérez, directora de proyectos de Ecolair: "Nuestra innovación no solo mejora la calidad del aire, sino que también aborda desafíos ambientales y de salud, creando un impacto positivo en la sociedad y el planeta." Esta declaración resalta la importancia de la innovación de la empresa en la creación de soluciones concretas para combatir la contaminación del aire y reducir los impactos negativos en la salud pública y el medio ambiente. La tecnología desarrollada por Ecolair tiene como objetivo abordar directamente estos problemas, contribuyendo a un futuro más saludable y sostenible para las comunidades locales y globales.

EL FELIPE GOES GREEN: An Accident turned to a Beautiful Surprise

Cua candidly addressed the inherent challenges of the textile industry’s environmental impact, focusing on the importance of circular fashion and quality over quantity. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its approach to production, ensuring longevity in its products and minimizing waste through optimized cutting processes. Their innovative packaging solutions, including the use of cassava bags and recycled paper, not only reduce waste but also embody the brand’s message of sustainability.

Expanding on the environmental initiatives, Cua detailed the brand's efforts in carbon offsetting and waste reduction. The introduction of a carbon footprint counter on their website and a commitment to planting a tree for every purchase exemplify EL FELIPE's dedication to a greener planet. This approach extends beyond the operational to influence customers and partners, encouraging a collective movement towards environmental responsibility.

Looking towards the future, Cua expressed optimism about EL FELIPE's growth and expansion plans, driven by a desire to share their story and impact more broadly across Metro Manila and potentially beyond. The brand's journey from a modest start to a beacon of sustainability in the fashion industry underscores its role as a business, a lifestyle, and a movement towards greater environmental consciousness.

Innovation as a Path to Sustainability

Oberland Agriscience is a company that harvests black soldier flies into larvae for agricultural purposes. They are an input for current crop systems we have in place to feed our farm animals and fish. The harvested larvae can also serve as fertilizer.

The product of this work is high protein nourishment that can be used in feed for livestock, aquaculture, or even be used as fertilizer. The alternative to this is to feed the animals corn or other low-nutrient feed, which makes the meat industry less sustainable in terms of the amount of feed wasted for the meat you get in return.

Empowering youth for a bright future / Empoderar a los jóvenes para un futuro brillante

Educación Estrella plays a key role in reducing economic and educational inequality. A quality and equitable education can empower students and provide them with the necessary tools to overcome social and economic barriers. In contexts of considerable inequality, equitable and good quality education is a key factor for the inclusive, peaceful and sustainable development of a society and a country (United Nations, 2020). It is for this reason that Educación Estrella aims to close this gap in access to higher education in Colombia.

According to the report of Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2021), desertion in higher education in Colombia occurs mostly in the first semesters. Some of the factors that have a significant impact on the abandonment of higher education studies are economic capacity, lack of information and professional orientation. "As CEO, I am committed to continue driving innovation and positive impact in higher education." Wei-maa Hung mentioned. For the founders, this data was crucial to find an alternative that could help mitigate this situation and contribute to young people's access to quality education, reducing inequality in an agile way.

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Para hablar de la innovación de Educación Estrella es importante resaltar que esta desempeña un papel fundamental en la reducción de la desigualdad económica y educativa. Una educación de calidad y equitativa puede empoderar a los estudiantes y brindarles las herramientas necesarias para superar las barreras sociales y económicas. En contextos de bastante desigualdad, una educación equitativa y de buena calidad es un factor clave para el desarrollo inclusivo, pacífico y sostenible de una sociedad y de un país (Naciones Unidas, 2020). Es por esta razón, que Educación Estrella fija su objetivo en cerrar esa brecha de acceso a la educación superior en Colombia.

De acuerdo con el informe de una Universidad de Colombia llamada Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (2021) realizó un estudio de la deserción en educación superior en Colombia, donde se da mayoritariamente en los primeros semestres. Algunos de los factores que inciden considerablemente en el abandono de los estudios de educación superior son la capacidad económica, la falta de información y orientación profesional. “Como CEO, estoy comprometido a seguir impulsando la innovación y el impacto positivo en la educación superior.” Mencionó Wei-maa Hung. Para los fundadores estos datos fueron cruciales para poder buscar una alternativa que pudiera ayudar a mitigar esta situación y poder contribuir a que los jóvenes accedan a una educación de calidad, reducción de la desigualdad y de forma ágil.

NATURAL CONEXIÓN, BEAUTY WITH PURPOSE / NATURAL CONEXIÓN, BELLEZA CON PROPÓSITO

According to the World Bank, almost 700 million people live in extreme poverty.

By 2020, according to a United Nations report "90.9% of the population in rural areas of Colombia, 42.9% were poor and 48% were in a vulnerable condition".

In 2020, 44.6% of rural women in Colombia were in monetary poverty.

Otherwise, the unemployment rate registered in 2020 in rural areas for women was 16.2% and 5.7% for men. In the last decade, the unemployment rate for women in rural areas has been higher than that and for men by at least 6.6 percentage points, with an average of 8.0 percentage points.

This situation of poverty in the countryside led Luz Dary and Marleny to support the Colombian peasantry with a boost for their crops and fair prices, as well as to provide formal employment and growth opportunities to the vulnerable population, especially women. "My dream was to be an entrepreneur and to be able to bring other development alternatives to the countryside," says Marlenny.

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De acuerdo con el Banco Mundial, casi 700 millones de personas viven en situación de extrema pobreza.

Para 2020, según un reporte de las Naciones Unidas “del 90.9% de la población de las áreas rurales de Colombia, el 42.9% era pobre y el 48% se encuentra en condición de vulnerabilidad”

En 2020, el 44.6% de las mujeres rurales en Colombia se encontraban en situación de pobreza monetaria.

Por su parte, la tasa de desempleo registrada en 2020 en las zonas rurales para las mujeres fue de 16,2% y la de los hombres 5,7%. En la última década la tasa de desempleo de las mujeres en las zonas rurales ha sido superior a la de los hombres en por lo menos 6,6 puntos porcentuales, con un promedio de 8,0 puntos porcentuales.

Esta situación de pobreza en el campo llevó a Luz Dary y Marlenny a trabajar para apoyar al campesinado Colombiano con impulso para sus cultivos y precios justos, así como, brindar empleo formal y oportunidades de crecimiento a la población vulnerable, especialmente mujeres. “Mi sueño era ser empresaria y poder llevar otras alternativas de desarrollo al campo”, declara Marlenny.

Feels Good to Feed

Stirling Family Farm Market, a prestigious local business, is a testament to the local community and sustainability of agriculture in Greenwich and the neighboring Wolfville community. Through their commitment to sourcing locally grown produce and creating valuable relationships with local farmers, Stirling contributes to the UN SDGs such as #2 (Zero Hunger), as they frequently donate to local community food banks. They also contribute to goal #11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by supporting local agriculture. They also contribute to the #12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) goal by promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices and reducing their overall food waste.

Baking a Difference

Rescued Kitchen is a business that focuses on utilising surplus food and transforming it into new baked products and baking mixes. Their innovative approach towards upcycling surplus food into new products begins to address the global challenge of food waste.

Doing Good Works: Extraordinary Results through Innovation

Doing Good Works is a certified B corporation that was established in 2015 by founders Scott Henderson and Jordan Bartlett. They initially started by providing equitable opportunities to those aging out of the foster care system. Originally their main goal was to help alleviate poverty which aligns with the First Sustainable Development Goal. Now, they are continuously promoting socio-economic empowerment. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships with a range of communities and organizations, they aim to generate positive outcomes and significantly contribute to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Finding Family in the Fashion Workshop

Nisa was developed as a social enterprise from its inception, to provide employment opportunities for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds. Offering this opportunity for growth, prosperity and support helps to mitigate the inequalities migrants often face when integrating into life in New Zealand. This innovation helps to progress the Sustainable Development Goals of Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8) and No Poverty (SDG1), by offering migrant women a career path and supportive kinship within the Nisa team, which they may not have had available to them otherwise. This wrap-around support includes encouraging their employees to seek and complete tertiary education, which also helps to progress the goal of Quality Education (SDG4).


Transforming Garbage into Hope: Recitoc’s Inspiring Journey to a Sustainable World/ Transformando Basura en Esperanza: El Viaje Inspirador de Recitoc hacia un Mundo Sostenible

Marcela, junto con sus compañeros y co-fundadores, se preocuparon por varias cosas. Lo primero fue brindarle una calidad de vida digna a sus ‘’reciclamores’’, como de cariño les llama a las personas que seleccionan los residuos sólidos aprovechables. Ellos tienen que exponerse a diferentes tipos de bacterias provenientes de estos residuos que las personas llamamos ‘’basura’’. Algo que generó bastante frustración en Marcela para ese entonces. Pese a esto, eso no fue lo único que pensó Marcela pues, buscó cómo poder brindarles a nuestras futuras generaciones un mundo mejor, en el que la consciencia sea la bandera que las guíe y que, partiendo de allí, logren cumplir sus sueños y metas, cuidando nuestros recursos y ejecutando acciones que mejoren la calidad de vida del ser humano.

Cuando hablamos de calidad, no precisamente hablamos de comprar el último celular —el que está a la moda—, de viajar en un auto deportivo o vivir en una isla llena de lujos, no. La calidad de vida que Marcela quiere para sus hijos es vivir respirando aire puro, que nuestros recursos hídricos se aprovechan, que las empresas sean conscientes y tomen acción por el clima. Y que poco a poco nuestros polos vuelvan a coparse de nieve, el calentamiento global ya no sea un efecto generado por el ser humano y su egoísmo. En fin, que nuestro planeta, que está bastante golpeado, logre recuperarse. Eso sí es calidad de vida. Por lo menos de la que habla Marcela con su empresa Recitoc.

Pero ¿Cómo Recitoc iba a impactar la sociedad para aportar a un mundo mejor? Era una tarea difícil pues, según el Banco Mundial, se calcula que cada persona en América Latina y el Caribe genera casi 1 kilo de basura por día, unos 231 millones de toneladas de desechos anuales.

A pesar de las cifras desalentadoras, Recitoc se consolidó como una realidad. Hace casi una década, la empresa se propuso reducir la cantidad de residuos destinados a vertederos, ofreciendo a sus colaboradores un trato digno, contratos laborales y apoyo psicosocial. ¡Lo entendieron todo! Hoy en día, Recitoc cuenta con más de 30 colaboradores y cerca de 10 asociados, recuperando aproximadamente 60 toneladas de residuos al mes. Su misión se cumple promoviendo prácticas de separación y aprovechamiento de residuos sólidos, educando a la sociedad y transportando materiales a empresas comprometidas con la economía circular y la sostenibilidad ambiental, generando un impacto medioambiental positivo.

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Marcela, along with her colleagues and co-founders, was concerned about several things. The first was to provide a dignified quality of life to her ''reciclamores'', as she affectionately calls the people who sort the usable solid waste. They have to expose themselves to different types of bacteria coming from this waste that people call ''garbage''. Something that generated a lot of frustration for Marcela at the time. Despite this, that was not the only thing that Marcela thought, because she looked for a manner to offer our future generations a better world, in which awareness is the flag that guides them. From there, they can achieve their dreams and goals, taking care of our resources and executing actions that improve the quality of life of human beings.

When we talk about quality, we are not exactly talking about buying the latest cell phone -the one that is in fashion-, traveling in a sports car, or living on an island full of luxuries, no. The quality of life that Marcela wants for her children is to breathe clean air where global warming is no longer an effect generated by human beings and their selfishness. In short, our planet, which is quite battered, manages to recover. That is the quality of life Marcela hopes to achieve with her company Recitoc.

However, how was Recitoc going to impact society to contribute to a better world? It was a difficult task because, according to the World Bank, it is estimated that each person in Latin America and the Caribbean generates almost 1 kilo of garbage per day, some 231 million tons of waste per year.

Despite the discouraging figures, Recitoc established itself as a reality. Almost a decade ago, the company set out to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills by offering its employees dignified treatment, employment contracts, and psychosocial support. They got it all! Today, Recitoc has over 30 employees and about 10 associates, recovering approximately 60 tons of waste per month. Its mission was accomplished by promoting solid waste separation and recovery practices, educating society, and transporting materials to companies committed to the circular economy and environmental sustainability, generating a positive environmental impact.


Circular Plastics: From PET bottles to Acoustic Wall Panels

Nick and Simon identified rPET acoustic wall panels as an industry innovation and an opportunity to diversify their business. The panels utilise (at least) a 70% recycled plastic substrate in the finished product, reflecting a shift towards sustainable product development. This highlights technological innovation in the wall panel industry; a redesign of an existing PET product, re-engineered to use a more sustainable rPET base material. Globally, the acoustics category has grown significantly in value over the last 10 years, with increasing adoption of the more sustainable technology.

Boyd noise reduction solutions absorb sound and reduce reverberation, making work environments a happier, healthier place to be. The wall panels are cut to size and installed quickly and efficiently with contact adhesive or anchored fixings. The panels are designed to provide effective noise reduction and insulation in commercial, retail, and education spaces while contributing to a cleaner environment. Nick and Simon have built the Acoustic category into a significant product offer over the last 8 years, now forming 20% of their total business, with impressive category growth of 30+% per annum.

By repurposing plastic waste into a valuable finished product, Boyd Workspaces addresses the urgent need for sustainable materials and promotes a circular economy, which is a significant step towards environmental sustainability. By creating a market for acoustic panels developed from recycled PET plastic bottles, Boyd Workspaces contributes to reducing waste and promoting recycling infrastructure, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.


Making Your Pup's Ecological Paw Print More Green

Little Green Dog is a sustainable pet product company. They have been producing compostable dog poop bags since 2019, allowing dog owners to be responsible in collecting their pet’s waste using plant-based bags. They also produce a poo pod to hold the bags which uses recycled plastic. They are now producing dog treats based on insect protein which allow environmentally conscious dog owners to reward their 'fur baby' whilst living up to their climate ideals. All the company's products fulfil the goal of Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12) whilst providing Economic growth (SDG 8). The treats additionally fulfill sustainable development goals 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (partnership for the goals).