Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

An efficient paper recycling initiative to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility through collection, storage and disposal (recycling).

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

We intend to create and establish a comprehensive system for the collection, sorting and processing of paper waste through this project. In order to Make this work, we will have to provide provide convenient collection points, educate the public about the importance of recycling and cooperate with local businesses and communities. We are ensuring the conversion of paper waste into useful materials, avoiding adverse effects on the environment and supporting a circular economy by means of innovation technology and efficient processes.

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

There is a significant amount of waste generated from paper products that often end up in landfills or as litter, contributing to environmental pollution and degradation. This is one of the main challenges that this project seeks to address in Nigeria. Reducing paper waste to the barest minimum, conserving natural resources and mitigating environmental damage can be achieved through this project. Furthermore by creating jobs and creating better business environment, this project can improve the livelihood of people who are already in recycling chain seen as ‘dirty’ thereby helping to remove the stereotype and discriminations associated with the job.

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

1. Environmental sustainability: by promoting the recycling of paper, we reduce the demand for virgin paper, which contributes to the conservation of forests and other natural resources. In addition, recycling of paper results in lower carbon emissions and environmental impact compared to the production of paper from raw materials which requires less energy and water. 2. Reducing waste: Paper recycling helps to divert paper waste from landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, burning and take up valuable space in landfills. Recycling paper allows us to extend the useful life of existing sources and reduce the need for additional waste management infrastructure and stretching resources. 3. Economic Opportunities: Recycling paper creates jobs in collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing of recycled paper products. Our project is designed to support growth in the economy, particularly in low income communities.

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

1. Communities: Residents and communities across Nigeria stand to benefit from improved waste management practices and reduced environmental pollution through the promotion of paper recycling. By providing convenient recycling infrastructure and awareness campaigns, we aim to empower communities to participate in sustainable waste management practices. 2. Businesses: Businesses, both large and small, can benefit from our paper recycling project by reducing their environmental footprint and demonstrating corporate social responsibility. Additionally, businesses involved in the collection, sorting, processing, and manufacturing of recycled paper products can capitalize on the economic opportunities created by the recycling industry. 3. Government: The Nigerian government can benefit. By implementing supportive policies, investing in recycling infrastructure and fostering public-private partnership. 4. Environmental Conservation Organizations and NGOs

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2022-03-01

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

5

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

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

My partners for now are primarily organisations. For now, we source paper from them and some of the organisations are headed by notable female executives. Below is the list: 1. University of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo 2. AXA Insurance Uyo 3. Redeemer International school, Uyo 4. Uyo high school, Uyo 5. Brainspec Printing Press, Uyo All resident in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria. We intend to reach out to and target at least 500 more organisations with proper funding.

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?

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

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

The project is intended to employ those with no means of livelihood and less privileged of the society by empowering them . They will mostly work in the collection and sorting processes. Most of them will be entrepreneurs on their own as their are being paid for every ounce of paper they bring in. This will help reduce poverty in the community.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

6

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

While paper recycling itself may not directly address food insecurity and hunger, it can contribute to broader sustainable development goals that are essential for achieving zero hunger in Nigeria. The project can create payable jobs that can be used to purchase the needed food to getting close to zero hunger.

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

This project promotes good health and well-being in Nigeria by reducing air and water pollution caused by improper paper disposal mostly by burning. It helps mitigate respiratory problems linked to air pollution and reduces the risk of waterborne diseases by minimizing water contamination from paper waste. Additionally, it will create job opportunities, contributing to economic well-being and improving overall quality of life.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The project aims to promote recycling practices in educational institutions and communities thereby raising awareness about environmental sustainability and encourage people to develop eco-friendly habits, fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and responsible citizenship.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

In many communities, women are involved in informal waste collection and sorting activities, including paper recycling. By formalizing and supporting these roles within the recycling industry, we can make women and girls gain economic independence and improve their socio-economic status. Also with education and training programs related to recycling and waste management, we can empower women and girls with valuable skills and knowledge, enhancing their participation in decision-making processes and promoting gender equality within the workforce.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

This project will help to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all in Nigeria by reducing water pollution. The paper production process often involves significant use of water and can result in the release of pollutants into water bodies if not properly managed. By recycling paper, the demand for new paper production decreases, thereby reducing the overall water consumption and pollution associated with paper manufacturing. More so, improper disposal of paper waste can lead to water contamination, especially in areas where waste is not adequately managed. Recycling paper helps divert paper waste from landfills or improper dumping sites, reducing the risk of water pollution from seeping into groundwater or surface water sources. Finally ,by minimizing water pollution and promoting responsible waste management, the project can play a role in ensuring access to clean water and sanitation for all in the community.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

By reducing the demand for energy intensive Paper Production, paper recycling has an indirect impact on providing communities with access to cheap, reliable, sustainable and modern electricity. The paper production process generally requires significant amounts of energy, which are often derived from non renewable sources such as fossil fuels. Recycling of paper of course reduces the need to produce virgin pulp, which results in energy savings and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with paper production.

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

By promoting paper recycling, we can foster inclusive economic growth, reduce unemployment, and create pathways to decent work for all segments of society while contributing to environmental sustainability as recycling adds value to unusable products, develop skills and improve local content

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

The project encourages innovation in waste management technologies and processes, driving improvements in environmental sustainability and resource efficiency. The innovations we currently have in mind include an app that can connect people to the nearest collection site, disposal message, etc.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

The project can do this by job creation, access to resources, enabling environmental justice and education and awareness. In general, economic opportunities can be created, resources used efficiently and foster global cooperation and awareness

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

This paper recycling project will contribute to creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements by providing economic opportunities, reducing waste and pollution, fostering community engagement, mitigating climate change, and promoting environmental education and awareness.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Environmental sustainability: by promoting the recycling of paper, we reduce the demand for virgin paper, which contributes to the conservation of forests and other natural resources. In addition, recycling of paper results in lower carbon emissions and environmental impact compared to the production of paper from raw materials which requires less energy and water. Reducing waste: Paper recycling helps to divert paper waste from landfills, where it would otherwise contribute to environmental pollution, burning and take up valuable space in landfills. Recycling paper allows us to extend the useful life of existing sources and reduce the need for additional waste management infrastructure and stretching resources.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

6

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

Because less water is used in recycling papers, water is conserved and channeled to better uses

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

The project seeks to save more trees from being cut down for paper. For every recycled ton of paper a tree in the forest is saved

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

I believe the project will bring justice to communities suffering deforestation and help communities build a sense of responsibility towards building peace

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

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.

4

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.

3

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

Recycling has always been around but for iron and metals. Most people don't look into paper because of the challenges it presents. The services we would provide will solve those challenges especially when it comes to collection. Partnerships is of course very important since a lot of organisations use paper and discard them inappropriately. We would provide a safe way of disposing such sensitive documents. Moreso, we intend to use technology to link local waste collectors to available drop off locations while doing some pick ups ourselves.

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

The project doesn't really present itself with competitors for now

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

Nil