Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Green-Eco is a Waste Management and Recycling business that collects, transports, sorts/treats, recycles, composts and disposes waste materials efficiently to protect public health and environment and also maximize resource and energy recovery.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Green-Eco will specialize in the collecting, transporting, processing and disposal of waste materials aim to minimize environmental impact and maximize resource recovery. Core activities include: 1. Collection in categories using labeled equipment to gather waste from residential, commercial, health facilities and industrial sources using specialized vehicles and equipment. 2. Safely transporting collected waste to facilities. 3. Sorting and treating: Separating waste into categories such as recyclable materials (plastics, paper, metals), organic waste, and non-recyclables and treating where necessary. 4. Processing recyclable materials through cleaning, shredding, melting or reconstituting items to create raw materials for new products. 5. Converting organic waste into nutrient-rich compost for agricultural use and renewable energy. 6. Safely disposing waste through incineration as we convert non-recyclable waste into heat and electricity/fuel providing a source of renewable energy.

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

Green-Eco will addressing several critical problems such as: Public Health: we will be preventing the spread of diseases by reducing the accumulation of waste on landfills and water bodies that can attract pests and harbor pathogens. Environmental Protection: we will be managing waste through recycling, composting and safe disposal methods thereby reducing great amount of air, water and soil pollution in the environment. Resource Conservation and energy saving: recycling and composting waste from landfills in turn conserving natural resources and reducing the need for raw material like timber, water and mineral extraction as recycled materials requires less energy. Climate Change: as we propose to manage waste, we will be reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane from landfills and carbon dioxide from waste incineration. Economic Benefits: we will be creating jobs in collection, processing and manufacturing within our facility as it also supports a circular economy.

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

Benefits of Green-Eco include environmental protection as we reduce pollution by minimizing waste sent to landfills through proper waste management reducing the risk of disease and health issues associated with improper waste disposal from soil and water, recycle materials like paper, plastics, metals and glass conserving natural resources and reduce the need for raw material extraction as it consumes less energy compared to producing new products from raw materials. We will also be creating jobs in collection, sorting, processing and selling recycled materials and also contribute to local economies as we promote the use of sustainable practices and encourages practices that help reduce environmental footprint. Finally, we aim to educate and involve communities in sustainable waste practices building a culture of environmental responsibility that adhere to environmental regulations to avoid legal penalties contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment and sustainable economy.

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

Green-Eco target market for the collection of waste include; 1. Urban areas where there is high demand of waste management and recycling services due to high population density. 2. Industrial hubs like areas with high concentration of manufacturing and industrial activities. 3. Commercial centers i.e. business districts with numerous offices and commercial establishments. 4. Institutions like schools, colleges and universities. 5. Healthcare facilities: Hospitals and clinics require specialized wase management services for hazardous and medical waste. Our target market for recycling product and services are both small- and large-scale manufacturers within 1. Automotive industries 2. Electronics and technology 3. Consumer goods and packaging 4. Construction and building materials 5. Apparel and footwear 6. Food and beverages 7. Furniture and home goods 8. Specialty and niche companies who specialize in recycling difficult-to-recycle materials into new products.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-02

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

0

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

Name: Obekpa Emmanuel Ngede Education: • B.Sc. Microbiology • M.Sc. Public Health In view Skills: • Efficient in data collection, reporting and statistical analysis using GraphPad prism • Communication and Interpersonal skills • Efficiency in Microsoft Office • Web Development (HTML, CSS and JAVASCRIPT) • Python programming • Peer Mentoring • Ability to work in a team, lead or inspire a team towards achieving a goal of team work • Reliable, honest and trustworthy

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

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

a) Energy (equipment, services, sustainable energy and fuel)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

Green-Eco strongly support the broader goal of eradicating poverty via: 1. Job Creation as we create numerous employment opportunities in collection, sorting, processing, selling recycled materials and innovation which provide stable income for individuals and families. 2. Economic Growth as we promote recycling and waste reduction, industries can reduce costs for businesses and municipalities freeing up resources that can be invested in poverty reduction programs and community development. 3. Empowerment of Informal Workers as we provide these workers with fair wages, better working conditions and social protection, lifting them out of poverty as the country have a good number of informal waste pickers. 4. Resource Efficiency as we ensure that resources are used more sustainably, reducing costs and making goods more affordable for low-income populations. 5. Community Development as we provide additional income streams, education and skills training as it further reduce poverty.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

Green-Eco will play a crucial role in fighting hunger via; 1. Recycling organic waste through composting produces that are nutrient-rich compost can enhance soil health and fertility which improves agricultural productivity (increased food production and better yields) which can help reduce hunger. 2. Efficient waste management which will reduce waste of valuable resources ensuring that more materials can be repurposed or reused including those that can support agriculture and food production. 3. Creating jobs and provide income for many individuals including those in low-income communities which will enable people buy nutritious food. 4. Reducing food waste by promoting redistribution of edible food that would otherwise be discarded. This can ensure that more food reaches those in need directly combating hunger. 5. Recycling agricultural waste and by-products to support sustainable farming practices reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers and enhance food security.

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Green-Eco greatly contribute to good health and well-being via: 1. Proper waste management and recycling of hazardous waste like medical and electronic waste to ensure that toxic substances are handled and disposed to minimize the release of harmful pollutants into the air, water and soil that cause respirator and waterborne diseases, and other health problems. 2. Effective waste disposal and recycling to prevent the accumulation of waste that can become breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents. 3. Efficient waste management system to enhance overall sanitation in communities reducing the incidence of illness related to poor hygiene and contaminated environment. 4. Carrying out waste management and recycling initiatives like educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of hygiene, proper waste disposal, provide proper equipment and training to waste workers to reduce the health risk they face leading to healthier behaviors and environment.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

Green-Eco will contribute significantly to enhance education via: 1. Educational Campaigns in schools and communities that teach the importance of good hygiene and environmental stewardship to enrich students' knowledge and fostering responsible behaviors. 2. Encourage schools Clubs that offer hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as in social and environmental studies to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation as they find creative solutions to real-world environmental challenges and equip individuals with valuable skills that will enhance their employability and economic prospects. 3. Provide healthy learning environments as we ensure cleaner and healthier school environments, which will improve student concentration, reduce absenteeism due to illness and create a more conducive atmosphere for learning. 4. Providing financial support to enhance the quality of education.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Green-Eco supports SDG 5 on gender equality via: 1. Creating job opportunities and economic empowerment for women particularly in informal sector, provide entrepreneurial chances, fair wages, safe working conditions and reduce health hazards that disproportionately affect women. 2. Provide education and training programs in waste management to enhance women's skills and employment opportunities. 3. Encourage women in leadership roles within these sectors to promotes gender-inclusive decision-making, carry out community projects and foster women's groups to support networks and community cohesion. 4. Encourage gender-inclusive policies and funding for women-led initiatives to ensure equal pay and safe environments as it contributes to broader social and environmental sustainability and also promote an inclusive and equitable society.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Green-Eco will enhance and improve clean water and sanitation by: 1. Proper waste disposal and recycling methods that greatly reduce the contamination of rivers, lakes and groundwater from hazardous materials and plastic waste as we aim to prevent pollution and protect water resources. 2. Effective waste management practices to prevent the accumulation of waste in water bodies which can block drainage systems and cause flooding impacting sanitation infrastructure. 3. Recycling which reduces the need for raw materials thereby decreasing industrial pollution and water usage in manufacturing processes. 4. Proper waste treatment processes which convert waste into energy reducing the release of pollutants into water systems. 5. Implementing healthier practices to ensure the availability of clean water, improve sanitation by minimizing the risk of waterborne diseases to maintain healthier ecosystems contributing to a healthier environment and improved public health.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Green-Eco provides affordable and clean energy by: 1. Converting waste into renewable energy sources and conserving resources using waste-to-energy technologies such as anaerobic digestion and incineration with energy recovery to generate electricity and heat from organic and non-recyclable waste reducing reliance on fossil fuels. 2. Recycling materials like aluminum, plastic, and paper to conserve energy by reducing the need for energy-intensive raw material extraction and processing. For instance, recycling aluminum saves up to 95% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from ore. 3. Processing biomass waste into biofuels to provide a renewable energy source. 4. Carrying out healthy practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a sustainable energy system by integrating waste management with energy production so that communities can achieve more affordable and cleaner energy solutions, enhance energy security and promote environmental sustainability.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Green-Eco promotes decent work and economic growth in multiple ways: 1. Job Creation as we generate numerous jobs across collection, sorting, processing and recycling operations including formal employment within facility and informal work in local collection of waste. 2. Entrepreneurship Opportunities: we will foster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encourage innovation in the development of new products from recycled waste materials. 3. Skill Development as our employees will gain valuable skills in logistics, technology and environmental management enhancing their employability. 4. Economic Benefits as we reduce costs associated with pollution and health issues leading to improved economic productivity. 5. Sustainable Growth: Recycling waste materials will reduce the need for raw material extraction preserving natural resources and contributing to more sustainable industrial practices.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Green-Eco supports industry innovation and infrastructure in several key ways: 1. Innovative Technologies as we leverage on advanced technologies in waste processing and recycling to foster innovation and development in our facility, waste-to-energy process and biodegradable materials. 2. Industrial Efficiency through recycling to reduce the demand for virgin materials promoting the use of secondary raw materials as it enhances resource efficiency and reduces production costs. 3. Infrastructure Development as we contribute to modern and resilient infrastructure supporting urban and rural development. 4. Circular Economy as we drive circular economy model encouraging industries to design products for longer life cycles, reuse and recycling thereby reducing environmental impact. 5. Research and Development as we encourage continuous research on effective waste management solutions leading to sustainable industrial practices promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Green-Eco will contribute to reducing social and economic inequalities aligning with the objectives of SDG 10 through several key mechanisms: 1. Inclusive Employment by providing job opportunities for the community, including low-income individuals and informal workers thereby offering a pathway out of poverty. 2. Empowerment of Informal waste pickers and providing them with fair wages, social protection and safer working conditions which reduces economic disparities. 3. Community Development as we will often involve local communities in recycling programs, foster social inclusion and provide educational opportunities on sustainable practices. 4. Access to Services: provide waste management services to disadvantaged areas in other to give equitable access to sanitation and waste disposal facilities which enhances living conditions. 5. Economic Participation: promote economic participation and financial inclusion for underrepresented groups.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Green-Eco supports sustainable cities and communities through: 1. Reduced Pollution: through effective waste management procedures to minimize litter, air and water pollution leading to healthier environments and improved quality of life. 2. Resource Efficiency as our recycling services will help conserve resources reducing the need for raw material extraction and lowering the environmental footprint. 3. Waste Reduction: our services decrease the volume of waste sent to landfills and incinerators reducing associated environmental and health hazards. 4. Encourage a circular economy as we promote sustainable consumption and production patterns which enhances urban sustainability. 5. Community Engagement as we often involve local communities on waste management programs, foster awareness, participation and a sense of ownership in sustainable practices. 6. Infrastructure Development as we contribute to modern and resilient infrastructure supporting urban and rural development.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Green-Eco supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 which focuses on responsible consumption and production in several key ways: 1. Resource Conservation as we reduce the need for raw materials conserving natural resources and promoting the use of secondary materials in production processes. 2. Waste Reduction as we minimize the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators through our company practices of reuse, recycling and composting. 3. Sustainable Production by recovering valuable materials from waste, recycle these materials into new products which reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. 4. Consumer Awareness as we raise awareness about the importance of sustainable consumption encourage individuals and businesses to choose eco-friendly products. 5. Pollution Mitigation as we properly manage waste to reduce air, water and soil contamination contributing to healthier ecosystems.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Green-Eco significantly support climate action through: 1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction: recycling reduces the need for raw material extraction and processing which are energy-intensive and produce significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By also diverting waste from landfills methane emissions are also minimized. 2. Energy Savings: recycling materials like aluminum, paper and plastics consumes less energy compared to producing them from virgin sources leading to lower carbon footprints. 3. Waste-to-Energy: green-Eco will use advanced waste management technologies that can convert waste into energy reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering GHG emissions. 4. Carbon capture through composting organic waste to improve soil health and act as a carbon sink, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 5. Public Awareness through initiative programs that raise awareness about climate change, encouraging communities to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Green-Eco directly support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 which focuses on life below water through: 1. Effective waste management practices which prevent plastics and other harmful waste from reaching oceans thereby reducing marine pollution and protecting aquatic life. 2. Microplastic Mitigation through recycling which reduces the production of new plastics thereby minimizing the release of microplastics into marine environments. 3. Proper disposal and recycling of hazardous waste to prevent chemicals and toxins from contaminating water bodies preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity. 4. Organize waste management programs that raise awareness about the impact of littering on oceans, promote behaviors that protect marine life and habitats. 5. Encouraging a circular economy which reduce the demand for new plastic production lowering the risk of ocean pollution and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Green-Eco supports SDG 15 which focuses on life on land via: 1. Habitat Protection were waste are properly managed to prevent land pollution preserving natural habitats for wildlife and maintaining biodiversity. 2. Composting organic waste and make available for farmers to improve soil quality enhancing its fertility and structure which supports plant growth and agriculture. 3. Recycling materials to reduce the need for landfills preventing soil and water contamination from hazardous waste and protecting terrestrial ecosystems. 4. Recycling paper products will decrease the demand for new paper reducing the need for deforestation and preserving forest ecosystems. 5. Through our effective waste management, wildlife is preserved from ingesting or getting entangled in plastic and other debris reducing harm to animals. 6. Promoting a circular economy through recycling conserves natural resources reducing the pressure on land and ecosystems for raw material extractio

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

Green-Eco will greatly contribute to peace justices and institutions via: 1. Reduced conflict over resources as our effective recycling will reduce the need for raw material extraction which can be a source of conflict and exploitation, promoting peace and stability. 2. Green-Eco will create a model(s) which would help enforce regulations, strengthen institutional frameworks and governance, enhance community participation and trust in local institutions. 3. Carry out proper waste management practices which will promote transparency and accountability reducing corruption and illicit activities associated with waste disposal. 4. Economic Equity by providing job opportunities and supporting informal waste workers through fair wages contributing to social and economic justice. 5. Ensure that communities within our target area have access to proper waste management services preventing environmental injustices where disadvantaged groups suffer from pollution and poor waste practices.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

Green-Eco will support partnerships for the goals via: 1. Collaborative Efforts between governments, private sectors and civil society fostering strong partnerships to achieve sustainable waste practices. 2. Knowledge Sharing as we will share best practices, technologies and innovations across borders enhancing global knowledge exchange and capacity building. 3. Network and promote international cooperation through treaties, agreements and joint initiatives aimed at reducing global waste and promoting recycling. 4. Attract funding and investment from international organizations fostering economic growth and sustainable development in communities. 5. Engage communities by raising awareness and promoting collective action towards achieving SDG targets. Through these collaborative efforts, Green-Eco enhances global partnerships driving the collective achievement of SDG 17.

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

5

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

6

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

7 - Strongly Agree

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

Green-Eco will use innovative, unique and advanced technologies like: 1. Waste Sorting Technologies: optical sorting, magnetic separation will be used to automate the separation of different types of recyclable materials from mixed waste streams. 2. Waste-to-energy technologies: incineration, gasification and pyrolysis will be used to convert non-recyclable waste into heat, electricity/or fuel while minimizing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 3. Anaerobic Digestion Technologies will be used to convert organic waste into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate through microbial decomposition in oxygen-free conditions. 4. Robotics and Automation in waste sorting facilities to automate repetitive tasks such as picking and sorting materials. Robotic systems equipped with AI and machine learning algorithm 5. Integrate sensors, internet of things devices and data analytics devices will be used to optimize our waste collection routes, monitor container fill levels and improve efficiency

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

In Nigeria, Green-Eco has and will definitely have several potential competitors ranging from private waste management companies, Government Agency to Local NGOs and Community initiatives posing competition in terms of community trust and engagement. However, we will be implementing strategies like Innovative advanced technology such as IoT-enabled sensors for smart waste collection, sorting technologies and waste-to-energy solutions, efficient community engagement and education by developing outreach programs to educate communities on the importance of proper waste disposal, expand services to cover the entire waste management cycle from collection to recycling and disposal, strategic partnerships with municipalities, NGOs and local businesses to strengthen service delivery and expand market reach, stay updated with local regulations and ensure full compliance to avoid legal issues, efficient regulatory compliance and sustainability to build a competitive edge in the business.

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

No