Nigeria - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming waste coconut shells into stylish sustainable LED lamps, our eco-friendly project helps mitigate climate change caused by steady heat emissions and blends sustainability with community-driven craftsmanship to illuminate homes responsibly.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Our E-CoLume Craft and Design project will focus on manufacturing durable hand-crafted natural coconut lamps, with a dual power source (solar energy and electricity). Our primary aim is to contribute to agricultural waste reduction by repurposing coconut shells into eco-friendly lamps made with waste coconut shells, zero-mercury lighting LED bulbs and mini solar panels, promoting sustainability and clean energy. Our lamp will provide warm ambience lighting for homes, offices, gardens and hotels. This eco-friendly production project will help lessen coconut waste burning, encourage lucrative coconut farming, and inspire an eco-friendly lifestyle, as our lamp's core material (coconut shell) is biodegradable, unlike lamps made from synthetic materials. Using an LED bulb instead of an incandescent bulb saves approximately 198,000 joules of heat and 21 grams of CO2 emissions (into the environment) per hour, considering carbon footprint and heat production.

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

In the present world, the need for a sustainable living and renewable energy solution is more pressing than ever. The main problem we are trying to solve with the manufacturing of coconut lamps is the dual challenge of Environmental degradation and Waste generation. By repurposing agricultural waste (coconut shells) and utilizing both a solar energy source and energy-efficient LED lamps, we aim to provide a sustainable lighting solution that benefits the environment and local communities. Environmental Degradation; Traditional incandescent bulbs have contributed to climate change (a significant environmental challenge), they release 90-95% of their energy as heat. Our coconut lamps will offer energy-efficient, eco-friendly lighting since LED emit only about 5-10% of their energy as heat while lasting much longer. Waste Reduction: with an estimated 350,000 tonnes of coconut produced annually in Nigeria, reusing coconut shells reduces agricultural waste and promotes 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).

Eco-Friendliness: our coconut lamps utilize waste coconut shells, promoting sustainability by repurposing (upcycling) natural resources and reducing waste. In addition, my core material (coconut shell) is easy to decompose and is thus safe for the environment. Artistic Design: Crafted from coconut shells and uniquely designed, each lamp is a one-of-a-kind piece, adding aesthetic value and serving as a conversation starter in any space. Warm Ambiance: Emitting a soft, relaxing glow, our coconut lamps create a comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and gatherings and reduces eye strain compared to harsher lighting options. Employment Opportunities: By hiring local artisans or workers to craft coconut lamps, we will contribute to the local economy by providing jobs, thus enhancing livelihoods and supporting families.

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

Targeted beneficiaries for our E-CoLume crafts are: Environmentally Conscious Consumers: Our coconut lamp business is aimed to primarily serve environmentally conscious consumers who are concerned about the environmental impact of traditional lighting solutions and seek greener alternatives. They prioritize sustainability and eco-friendliness in their purchasing decisions. Interior Design Enthusiasts: Interior design enthusiasts who appreciate unique and aesthetically pleasing interior design elements. Our coconut lamps, with their ambience yet elegant appearance, appeal to individuals who enjoy incorporating natural elements into their living spaces. Gift Shoppers: Customers who seek unique handmade and artisanal items as stylish gift presents for friends and family.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-04-01

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

1

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

1

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

My partner is a skilled website designer with expertise in digital marketing. She holds a design degree and has 3 years of industry experience, specializing in creating engaging online experiences. Her role is to ensure our coconut lamp craft business has a robust digital presence, enhancing user engagement and maximizing online visibility. We collaborate closely to integrate aesthetic appeal with functionality, aiming for a strong market impact in the craft industry.

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?

Other: Manufacturing

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

2

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

2

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

One method most coconut farming communities practice to discard the massive coconut shell waste generated from coconut farming and consumption is open burning. This practice causes the release of carbon and other greenhouse gases into the air, which leads to air pollution and is harmful to human life. The ash generated from the open burning also flows into closed water bodies in these communities, causing threats to aquatic life. Fetching these coconut shell waste in large quantities from these local coconut farming communities will not just increase the economic value of their businesses, but will also help divert the discarding method of the coconut shell waste, discourage open burning and help mitigate air pollution. This will promote good and healthy air quality inhaled by these same individuals and reduce the flow of ashes into water bodies, saving aquatic lives, thereby promoting good health and well-being as goal 3 of the sustainable development goals.

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

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Our coconut lamp initiative will promote sustainable energy access, especially in underserved areas. By harnessing coconut shells, our business will offer an affordable and clean energy alternative. This directly addresses the SDG 7 mandate of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, and clean energy for all. Through this initiative, our business will contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating air pollution, and fostering energy equity, particularly in rural communities with limited access to electricity.

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

Our coconut lamp venture fosters decent work and economic growth by creating employment opportunities and supporting local economies. Through training programs and skill development initiatives, we will empower artisans and workers, particularly in coconut-producing regions, to participate in sustainable manufacturing practices. By generating income and promoting entrepreneurship, our business will contribute to poverty reduction and economic empowerment, in line with SDG 8's aim of promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Our coconut lamp business demonstrates innovation by repurposing coconut waste for manufacturing. By creating a new industry around sustainable lighting solutions, our business will foster economic growth and infrastructure development. Through investment in research, technology, and local capacity building, our coconut shell lamp manufacturing business will lay the groundwork for a sustainable industry that promotes job creation and supports small-scale entrepreneurs. By prioritizing innovation and infrastructure, we align with SDG 9's vision of inclusive and sustainable industrialization.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Our coconut lamp project, led by two female entrepreneurs, contributes to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) since it empowers local women artisans with fair wages and skills development. Through inclusive business practices, we challenge gender norms in entrepreneurship, fostering economic independence and promoting environmental sustainability.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

Our coconut lamp business will offer sustainable lighting solutions that enhance the resilience and livability of urban and rural communities alike. By providing affordable, eco-friendly lighting options, we will contribute to creating safer, more inclusive, and environmentally sustainable living environments. This aligns with SDG 11's vision of making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Through this initiative, we will promote access to sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, and environmental stewardship, fostering sustainable urbanization and community 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

Our coconut lamp manufacturing embodies responsible consumption and production principles by utilizing waste materials from the coconut industry. Through innovative design and production processes, we will aid in minimizing waste and promote resource efficiency. Transforming coconut shells into functional lamps, contributes to a circular economy model, reducing environmental impact and fostering sustainable consumption patterns. Focusing on eco-friendly materials and aesthetic production methods, we will contribute to SDG 12's call for more sustainable production and consumption practices.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

6

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Our E-CoLume lamps will be manufactured to have a solar charging part, hence our business actively contributes to climate action efforts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption. Utilizing coconut shells and light-emitting diode bulbs for lighting will offer a low-carbon alternative to traditional lamps. This will help mitigate climate change impacts by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing carbon emissions. Additionally, by raising awareness of renewable energy options and promoting sustainable practices, we will empower individuals and communities to take climate action, aligning with SDG 13's objectives of combating climate change and its impacts.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

4

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

6

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Our coconut lamp initiative promotes sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation by upcycling or reusing coconut waste. Instead of allowing coconut shells to degrade or be burnt, we will add value to this resource through lamp manufacturing. This will reduce waste generation and dump on landfills and natural habitats while fostering ecosystem resilience. By promoting responsible land management practices and biodiversity conservation efforts, our business will contribute to preserving terrestrial ecosystems and promoting sustainable land use, aligning with SDG 15's objectives of protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

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

2

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.

5

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

4

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.

6

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.

6

05.08 Justification

Our coconut lamp targets existing consumers who appreciate cultural authenticity alongside sustainable practices, expanding the product's relevance in the market. Introducing solar-powered functionality to our coconut lamps will establish a pioneering category, appealing to modern consumers seeking aesthetic tradition and practical sustainability in their decor choices. Positioned as a blend of artisanal heritage and modern sustainability, our coconut lamp broadens the scope of coconut lamps offered by competitors which light up electrically alone, appealing to diverse consumer preferences. Our coconut lamp fills a gap left by traditional lamps and other eco-friendly alternatives. It meets consumer expectations for practicality and environmental responsibility, particularly in regions with limited access to electricity. Our coconut lamp with solar charging redefines a classic item with contemporary utility while preserving the cultural allure of traditional coconut lamps.

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

Local Artisans: Local artisans within Nigeria already produce coconut-based crafts, including lamps. Our solar charging features will differentiate our product from traditional lamps made by local artisans, offering a modern and eco-friendly alternative. Craft Markets: Various craft markets across Nigeria feature vendors selling handmade lamps and other coconut-based products but do not offer lamps with solar charging capabilities, giving our product a unique selling point regarding sustainability and energy efficiency. Home Decor Stores: Some home decor stores in Nigeria do not carry coconut-based lighting options, either locally made or imported. Online Sellers: Various international sellers on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay may offer coconut lamps from different parts of the world. Some of these platforms do not offer solar-powered lamps, so our product will stand out as a more environmentally friendly option, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

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

No