Product, Service & Design Innovation
The latest products, services, design approaches and business models that are helping organizations of all sizes deliver on their sustainability ambitions and establish a new business as usual.
Meet the Punk Beer Brand Ripping Up the Rulebook to Protect Our Planet
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. It would be easy to view BrewDog as little more than stunt-based marketing experts. But the company has been busy making sure to leave a more impactful dent on our culture, putting the all-important issue of climate change front and center.
Precision Ecosystems: An Improved Model for Better Indoor Crops
The progress of humankind is heavily linked to technological changes in how farming is done. Today, farming in the US faces challenges never before seen that require supplementing traditional agriculture with new approaches.
The Great Indoors: Creating a Nurturing Habitat for People and Planet
We spend 90% of our time indoors, and that was before a global pandemic forced many of us to turn our living environments into our offices, schools and gyms. So, what is the key to creating nurturing indoor habitats?
Back to the Roots Fills Growing Need for Organic, 100% US-Grown Seeds
The food and gardening startup furthers its mission to “undo food” with the release of organic, non-GMO, domestically grown seeds for 92 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers — in packaging made of 100% recyclable materials.
Kimberly-Clark, Kotex to Mentor Startups Focused on Women’s Health, Access to Sanitation
The Toilet Board Coalition’s Women in the Sanitation Economy Innovation Lab has chosen five women-led, early-stage startups focused on women’s reproductive health and hygiene; and improving access to safe, sustainable sanitation options in underserved areas.
How American Family’s DreamBank Is Connecting Community, Fueling Dreams
Natalie Healy — American Family Insurance DreamBank Manager — provides insight into how the company is fostering community both in a special physical space and online, supporting a community of dreamers pursuing their passions.
Trending: 4 Steps Forward for a Circular Economy for Fashion
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Eastman's new Naia Renew portfolio, ASOS’ first circular collection, and the launch of brands Borobabi and Covalent add to the budding landscape of fashion that chips away at the rampant waste created by the industry.
Amazon’s ‘Climate Pledge Friendly’ to Make It Easier for Customers to Discover, Shop for Sustainable Products
Label launches with 25K+ products endorsed by team of third-party sustainability certifiers. And Amazon’s new ‘Compact by Design’ certification aims to reduce carbon emissions through increased efficiency and better packaging.
How to Scale Your Sustainable Business: 5 Learnings from the Dutch Startup Ecosystem
Here are five lessons from the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Europe, that will be useful for founders everywhere looking to make a difference.
EVERFI Commits $100M to End Systemic Social, Economic Inequity in K-12 Schools
The social impact education provider will offer free digital education and tools to close gaps that lead to long-term, systemic inequalities for at-risk students.
From Carbon Sinks to Carbon Banks: Could Mycelium Help Resolve Our Climate Crisis?
NetZero’s forthcoming “Mycelium Balls” will put the massive carbon-sequestration ability of mycelium — which can double the environment’s natural carbon-capture rate — into the hands of everyday people.
McDonald’s, Loop Partner on Industry-First Cup Return Scheme
Cross-Posted from Chemistry, Materials & Packaging. Beginning in 2021, McDonald's customers in select UK restaurants will be able to choose a reusable hot beverage cup, which can be returned to be sanitized and reused.
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Sustainability, Equity and Resilient Design
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Here, Purpose Built Communities president Carol Naughton discusses how sustainability and designing for resiliency can help to end intergenerational poverty, strengthen economically diverse communities and aid in neighborhood revitalization.
Report: Unlocking Manufacturer Innovation Key to Achieving Circular Fashion
Cross-Posted from Supply Chain. With the COVID-19 and climate crises threatening industry’s dominant business model — which is based on continued growth in production — circular models will need to be at the heart of fashion’s growth plans going forward.
All Timberland Products to Be 100% Circular, Net Positive by 2030
The brand is aiming to design 100% of its products for circularity, and source 100% of materials from regenerative agriculture.
Planned Obsolescence and Your Right to Repair
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Have you ever wondered why some consumer goods don't last? From cell phones to household appliances and clothing to automobile tires, some products we use every day could last much longer. But they don't.
Biomimicry Providing a Concrete Solution to a Global Problem
With impending growing climate change impacts — in conjunction with the expected growth of our cities, ports and other coastal infrastructure — investing in “Blue Tech” is of prime importance.
Algramo Brings Refillable, Waste-Free Cleaning Products to NYC
Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. In partnership with major brands and small business owners, Algramo gives consumers a better way to refill household-name cleaning products through a cost effective, smart dispensing system.
New Innovations Simplify Ocean Plastic Supply Chain
Cross-Posted from Supply Chain. Incorporating recycled ocean plastics into products is no longer a risky affair, and more brands are following in the footsteps of earlier pioneers to revolutionize their own product lines and story with these salvaged materials.
Interior Design Firm’s Product Exchange Minimizes Construction & Demolition Waste
Cross-Posted from Waste Not. Schott Design’s product exchange program, SchottXchange, goes beyond its carpet reclamation and recycling efforts on its projects to facilitate the reuse of items within or between buildings, diverting materials from the landfill.
