Uganda - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Second Chance Waste Gift shop collects waste from households and businesses and repurposes plastic and bio degradadable waste into new products like flower vases , reusable menstrual pads , shopping bags ,scented candles, animal feeds, organic fertilizers

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

This business involves repurposing plastic and agricultural waste to produce hand made gifts like flower vases , pencil holders , reusable pads , organic manure/ fertilizers ,chandeliers and others. This is the business I am doing because 600 tonnes of plastic waste are created daily in Uganda and of these , only 10% are recycled or collected. This business involves collecting non-biodegradable waste such as plastics and glass that worsen the climate crisis as they do not rot and other rotting waste that produce harmful gases such as left over food from households and sorting , repurposing it into products / gifts that are sold in the Second Chance Waste gift shop. Some forms of waste that we cannot use such as plastic waste and PET bottles are turned into PET flakes which are then sold to polyester companies as a replacement for virgin resin. Recycling enables us to maintain a safe environment by converting waste into new useful products thus reducing air and water pollution.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

According to NEMA(National Environmental and Management Organization) Uganda , 600 tonnes of plastic waste are generated by the Ugandan population daily yet only less than 10% of this is recycled or even collected . According to a 2019 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, annual post-harvest loss stands at 17.6 per cent for crops produced in the country respectively. Food rot releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change. It also produces unpleasant odors and attracts pests like rodents and insects, leading to increased disease risk. Nutrient leaching from rotting food can contaminate soil and water bodies, causing algal blooms that deplete oxygen and harm aquatic life. Moreover, the waste of resources used in food production, such as water, energy, and labor, exacerbates environmental degradation. Reducing food waste can mitigate these negative effects.This business therefore reduces plastic and biodegradable waste from the environment .

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

Second Chance Waste Gift Shop repurposes plastic waste and biodegradable agricultural waste to produce flower vases, shopping bags, and reusable sanitary pads which contributes significantly to transformative change for achieving global goals for nature and climate. By upcycling waste into useful products, the business reduces environmental pollution and conserves resources. Producing flower vases from repurposed materials reduces demand for new raw materials, while biodegradable shopping bags decrease plastic pollution. Reusable sanitary pads offer sustainable menstrual solutions, reducing single-use waste. This approach supports circular economy principles, lowers carbon footprints, and promotes sustainable consumption patterns, directly aligning with global goals for responsible production, climate action, and ecosystem preservation. We make products like insect feeds from rotting food . We make organic and environmentally friendly fertilizer from collected faecal waste.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Households and business from whom we collect plastic and biodegradable waste are relieved of the burden of sustainable management of their waste. Women are employed in the waste management process, that is , they collect waste from homes and businesses , sort it , upcycle it , recycle , market and finally sell the repurposed products such as flower vases , reusable menstrual pads , shopping bags ,scented candles, animal feeds, organic fertilizers, biofuel . Other waste we cannot upcycle are sold as raw materials for other industries. Some forms of waste that we cannot use such as plastic waste and PET bottles are turned into PET flakes which are then sold to polyester companies as a replacement for virgin resin. Electronic waste is also sold to plastic recycling industries.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-05-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

2

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

2

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Partner 1 - Waste management expert Partner 2 - Fundraising expert Partner 3 - Landlord

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

https://x.com/SecondChanceGft

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

b) Materials (agriculture, fishing, chemical products, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, paper and forest products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth 4 times. In Uganda alone of the over 3,000,000 tons of waste generated each year ,only eight per cent is recycled. The rest ends up in the environment causing pollution. Non-biodegradable waste such as plastics and glass worsen the situation as they do not rot.Proper waste management contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by reducing exposure to hazardous materials, preventing disease spread, and ensuring cleaner environments. It minimizes pollution, improves sanitation, and supports healthier communities, ultimately enhancing overall health outcomes and quality of life.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

We employ women to repurpose waste . A proper waste management business employing women advances SDG 5 by promoting gender equality. It empowers women economically, provides job opportunities, and fosters leadership roles. This reduces gender disparities, enhances women's economic security, and promotes their participation in decision-making, driving sustainable development and inclusive growth.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

5

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

A proper waste management business employing women advances SDG 6 by promoting clean water and sanitation. Women's involvement ensures diverse perspectives, leading to innovative, efficient waste solutions. This enhances water quality, reduces pollution, and fosters sustainable practices, empowering communities and supporting gender equality in environmental management.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

5

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

We collect electronic waste that is used as a raw material when recreating clean energy solutions .Our business also enables proper waste management by listing cess pool service collectors who repurpose this waste to create clean energy in form of bio gas. A waste management business employing women enhances SDG 7 by promoting gender equality and clean energy. Through inclusive employment, it empowers women economically, contributing to poverty reduction (SDG 1). By efficiently managing waste, it mitigates environmental degradation, fostering sustainable energy practices and supporting access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services (SDG 7).

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

We offer decent work to women in the waste repurpose process.Our waste management business employing women fosters gender equality (SDG 5) while enhancing economic growth (SDG 8) through job creation. By providing equal opportunities, it promotes sustainable development, reduces poverty, and ensures inclusive economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Instead of resorting to traditional landfill methods, we harness the remarkable capabilities of black soldier flies to effectively break down the waste. Waste management is essential in creating sustainable cities and communities. Our waste management business employing women contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) by fostering gender equality and sustainable cities. Women's involvement enhances inclusivity in decision-making processes and promotes diverse perspectives in waste management strategies. Empowering women economically through employment opportunities improves their socio-economic status and reduces inequalities within urban communities. Additionally, women often prioritize community well-being, leading to more environmentally friendly practices and increased public awareness of waste reduction. Ultimately, this approach fosters resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities as envisioned by SDG 11.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Repurposing waste ensures circular economy hence responsible consumption and production. Second Chance waste gift shop for plastic and bio waste management business employing women fosters responsible consumption and production through various means. Women's inclusion promotes diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to waste management challenges. By effectively sorting, recycling, and upcycling materials, the business reduces environmental impact, conserves resources, and mitigates pollution. Moreover, empowering women economically enhances community resilience and fosters sustainable development, driving positive social and environmental outcomes in line with responsible consumption and production goals.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Proper plastic and biodegradable waste management ensures that the effects of climate change are reduced . Our plastic and bio waste management business that employs women significantly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13, Climate Action, by promoting environmental sustainability and gender equality. Through effective waste management practices, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change impacts. Moreover, by empowering women through employment opportunities, it fosters social and economic resilience, leading to more sustainable communities. This holistic approach addresses both environmental and social dimensions of sustainability, aligning with the goals of SDG 13.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Proper plastic waste management ensures smooth running of life below water. Our plastic and bio waste management business employing women contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by reducing plastic pollution in oceans and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Women's employment enhances gender equality (SDG 5), while their involvement fosters community engagement and education, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education). Through these efforts, the business aids in preserving marine ecosystems, mitigating climate change, and advancing sustainable development goals.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Proper plastic waste management ensures smooth running of life on land . A plastic and bio waste management business employing women directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 15, focusing on Life on Land. By employing women, it promotes gender equality (SDG 5) while addressing waste management, thus reducing land pollution and preserving terrestrial ecosystems. Women's involvement fosters community engagement, education, and sustainable practices, further mitigating environmental degradation. This holistic approach aids in conserving biodiversity, restoring degraded lands, and promoting sustainable resource management, all crucial elements of SDG 15.

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

1 - Strongly Disagree

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

Through upcycling waste , this business creates new products hence reducing waste . Innovativeness in the market of a business repurposing plastic and biodegradable agricultural waste lies in its eco-friendly approach to product creation. By transforming waste into flower vases, shopping bags, and reusable sanitary pads, the business addresses environmental concerns while offering practical, sustainable alternatives. This innovative model not only reduces landfill waste but also promotes a circular economy. The combination of durability from plastic waste and the biodegradability from agricultural by-products ensures a balanced ecological impact. This business exemplifies forward-thinking in waste management and product development, catering to the rising consumer demand for sustainable and ethical products.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

Our competitors include waste collection businesses and craft shops that simply sell products that are bought from suppliers without a circular economy bias. What sets us apart is ensuring environmental friendliness through out our value chain. Our business repurposing plastic and biodegradable agricultural waste stands out by combining environmental sustainability with innovative product design. Transforming waste into flower vases, shopping bags, and reusable sanitary pads not only addresses pollution but also offers eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items. This dual focus on waste reduction and practical, aesthetic products appeals to eco-conscious consumers. Moreover, the use of diverse waste materials to create a range of items demonstrates versatility and a commitment to reducing landfill waste. By integrating social responsibility with unique, green products, this business differentiates itself in the market, attracting customers who value sustainability and innovation.

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes. I have a YouTube channel where I train young women to discover their purpose and take on national and international business opportunities such as trainings , fellowships , scholarships and community development programs . I am also a digital skills trainer who volunteers with some organizations and community groups to train women to use digital skills to boost their business' earning potential .Through my YouTube channel called @OpportunitiesWorldwide, I empower women with knowledge about the green economy for example by enlightening them about SDG 13 on climate action , SDG 7 on clean energy and SDG 12 on responsible production and consumption. Women trained in waste management are able to earn an income when they stop working with us. This can be in waste collection , sorting , upcycling , recycling , sales and marketing , retail and other job opportunities in the waste management life cycle .