Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Kisumu Plastic Upcycling Project tackles plastic pollution head-on! We transform readily available plastic waste like bottles, jugs, and tubs into beautiful and valuable objects.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Kisumu Plastic Upcycling Project tackles plastic pollution head-on! We transform readily available plastic waste like bottles, jugs, and tubs into beautiful and valuable objects. Here's how it works: • Community Collection: We work alongside Kisumu residents to collect recyclable plastics, promoting responsible waste management. • Creative Upcycling: Using innovative techniques, we breathe new life into plastic, crafting items like: o Woven baskets and placemats: Perfect for home décor or market sales. o Ironed plastic sheets: Ideal for stencils or creative projects in schools and workshops. o Melted and molded plastic objects (with safety!) - Unique, handcrafted treasures. Kisumu Plastic Upcycling benefits our community in numerous ways: • Reduces Plastic Waste: We divert plastic from landfills, keeping Kisumu clean and healthy. • Creates Jobs: Upcycling creates economic opportunities through product creation and sales.

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

Kisumu Plastic Upcycling project has two main goals I am trying to solve, considering my background and the project's impact: 1. Reduce Plastic Pollution: As a civil engineer passionate about the environment, a major goal is to address plastic pollution in Kisumu. My project tackles this by collecting and reusing waste plastic, diverting it from landfills, and keeping the environment cleaner. 2. Promote Sustainable Economic Development: My civil engineering background positions me to contribute to the project's economic goals as well. Kisumu Plastic Upcycling Project aims to create a sustainable economic development model through: o Job Creation: Upcycling plastic waste creates new jobs in product creation and sales. o Community Empowerment: Workshops equip residents with valuable skills, fostering a self-sustaining future focused on responsible waste management and resourcefulness.

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

Environmental Benefits: Kisumu Plastic Upcycling tackles plastic pollution at its core. By collecting and reusing waste plastic for new products, we divert it from landfills and the environment. This reduces plastic's harmful impact on wildlife, ecosystems, and overall environmental health. Socioeconomic Benefits: Kisumu Plastic Upcycling fosters a sustainable economic model within the community. We create new jobs through the collection, processing, and sales of upcycled plastic products. This injects income into the local economy and empowers residents through skills development and participation in a sustainable solution. Community Development: Kisumu Plastic Upcycling goes beyond simply creating products. Our workshops equip residents with valuable skills in plastic collection, upcycling techniques, and potentially even business development. This empowers the community to manage plastic waste responsibly, fosters a culture of sustainability.

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

• The Environment: This is the primary beneficiary as the project directly reduces plastic pollution by diverting plastic waste from landfills. A cleaner environment benefits everyone. • Kisumu Residents: Residents are targeted in several ways: o Waste Contributors: The project provides a responsible way to manage plastic waste, promoting community involvement and a culture of sustainability. o Job Seekers: Upcycling creates new job opportunities in waste collection, processing, and product sales, boosting the local economy. o Workshop Participants: Residents can gain valuable skills in plastic collection, upcycling techniques, and potentially even business development, empowering them to contribute to the project's success and their own economic well-being. • Local Businesses: Kisumu Plastic Upcycling creates a market for upcycled products. Local businesses can benefit by selling these unique, handcrafted items, attracting customers who value sustainability. • Schools and Workshops

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-09-06

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

2

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.)

The first partner is a material science expert • Skills: o Strong understanding of material properties, including different types of plastics (chemical composition, physical characteristics, behavior during processing). o Expertise in analyzing the suitability of plastics for upcycling applications. • Experience: o Background in material science research, product development, or a related field. o Experience working with different types of materials and understanding their behavior under various conditions. The second partner is an environmental engineer • Skills: o Expertise in waste management practices, including collection, sorting, and processing of waste materials. o Understanding of environmental regulations and best practices for responsible waste handling. • Experience: o Background in environmental engineering consulting, waste management operations, or a related field. o Experience developing and implementing sustainable waste management solutions.

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

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

My project creates employment for people who will work in collecting, recycling and selling the finished plastic components and products.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

5

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

By creating new jobs in waste collection, processing, and product sales, the project injects income into the local economy. This can improve the livelihoods of participating residents, potentially giving them greater access to food and reducing the risk of hunger, especially for vulnerable families

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

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

Reduces exposure to pollutants: By diverting plastic waste from landfills, the project helps reduce potential exposure to harmful chemicals that can leach from landfills and contaminate air, soil, and water. This can lead to improved respiratory health and lower risks of illnesses associated with pollutants. Creates a cleaner environment: Less plastic pollution in the environment means a cleaner Kisumu. This can reduce the spread of diseases carried by pests and vermin that are attracted to waste. A cleaner environment also promotes overall well-being and encourages outdoor activities. Community empowerment: The project empowers residents through skills development and participation in a solution that benefits their environment. This fosters a sense of ownership and community pride, which can contribute to a more positive and healthy social environment.

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

The hands-on nature of the workshops provides practical learning experiences that complement theoretical education. Participants can apply scientific concepts (like material properties or recycling techniques) in a real-world setting, solidifying their understanding and promoting problem-solving skills.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

Upcycling creates new job opportunities in waste collection, processing, and product sales. By ensuring women have equal access to these opportunities, the project empowers them to generate income and gain financial independence.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

By diverting plastic waste from landfills, the project reduces the potential for plastic pollution to clog drains and waterways. This can indirectly contribute to cleaner water sources and improved sanitation infrastructure.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

6

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

Incorporating upcycled plastics into reflective surfaces to enhance solar energy collection. Upcycled plastics processed into usable insulation materials could contribute to building more energy-efficient homes in the community. Partnering with NGOs or government agencies working on SDG 7 in Kisumu could allow you to explore ways your project can support their initiatives.

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

Creates New Jobs: Upcycling creates new employment opportunities in various sectors: Waste Collection: Jobs are created for residents involved in collecting recyclable plastic waste. Processing and Production: Workers are needed to sort, clean, and process the plastic for upcycling. Product Sales: Jobs are created in marketing, sales, and distribution of the upcycled products. Empowers Local Businesses: Kisumu Plastic Upcycling fosters a new market for upcycled products. Local businesses can benefit by selling these unique, handcrafted items, attracting customers who value sustainability. This injects income into the local economy. Skills Development: Workshops equip residents with valuable skills in plastic collection, upcycling techniques, and potentially even business development. Improved Livelihoods. Safe Working Conditions: The project should prioritize safe working conditions throughout the upcycling process, from waste collection to product creation.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

Eco-bricks create a new, potentially more resilient building material. By incorporating recycled plastic into construction materials, eco-bricks can offer several benefits: Durability: Studies suggest eco-bricks can be as strong or even stronger than traditional bricks, potentially increasing the lifespan of structures built with them. Reduced reliance on virgin materials: Eco-bricks utilize waste plastic, reducing the need for resource extraction for conventional construction materials. Improved insulation: The air pockets within eco-bricks can provide some degree of thermal insulation, potentially contributing to energy efficiency in buildings. Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization: Similar to upcycling, eco-brick production promotes a small-scale, sustainable form of industrialization. It utilizes readily available waste materials and creates a valuable construction product. Foster Innovation: Eco-bricks represent an innovative approach to construction materials.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

Upcycling creates new employment opportunities in waste collection, processing, and product sales. This injects income into the local economy, particularly benefiting those who may not have access to formal employment opportunities. Workshops equip residents with valuable skills in plastic collection, upcycling techniques, and potentially even business development. This empowers individuals to participate in the project, launch their micro-enterprises, and increase their earning potential just like the developed countries.

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 diverts plastic waste from landfills, preventing environmental hazards and promoting a cleaner Kisumu. This directly contributes to a more sustainable city. Eco-bricks made from recycled plastic potentially contribute to more resilient infrastructure. Studies suggest eco-bricks can be strong and durable, potentially extending the lifespan of pavements and buildings constructed with them.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

Upcycled products are designed and made for durability, encouraging responsible consumption and reducing the need for frequent replacements. This minimizes overall waste generation. By giving new life to plastic waste, Kisumu Plastic Upcycling reduces the demand for virgin plastic production. This lowers the environmental impact associated with extracting and processing raw materials.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Plastic production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. By diverting plastic waste from landfills and preventing incineration (sometimes used for waste disposal), Kisumu Plastic Upcycling indirectly reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic throughout its lifecycle. As discussed in SDG 12, Kisumu Plastic Upcycling embodies a circular economy approach. This reduces reliance on extracting new resources and the associated energy consumption and emissions.

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

5

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

By diverting plastic waste from landfills, Kisumu Plastic Upcycling indirectly prevents it from entering waterways and ultimately the ocean. This helps protect marine ecosystems from plastic debris, entanglement hazards, and ingestion by marine life.

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

Plastic pollution can harm terrestrial ecosystems by harming wildlife and infiltrating soil. By diverting plastic waste, Kisumu Plastic Upcycling indirectly contributes to a cleaner environment that benefits land-based ecosystems.

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

5

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

The project will empower participants through skill development and potentially income generation. This will foster a sense of agency and improve the overall well-being of the community, indirectly contributing to a more peaceful and inclusive social environment. The project will promote collaboration between various stakeholders - waste collectors, upcyclers, and potentially even local authorities. This collaborative approach will foster a spirit of cooperation and problem-solving within the community.

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project showcases a novel approach to plastic waste management through upcycling. This can inspire and encourage the development of similar initiatives in other communities, promoting knowledge sharing and replication of successful practices. Workshops equip participants with valuable skills in plastic collection, upcycling techniques, and potentially even business development. This empowers individuals and strengthens the capacity of the community to address environmental challenges.

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.

5

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.

5

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

5

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

6

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

3

05.08 Justification

The project goes beyond waste collection and upcycling to foster a sense of community ownership and empower residents through skills development or income generation. This focus on social impact can be a unique aspect of the project. The project explores incorporating upcycled plastic into existing products or infrastructure elements (e.g., eco-bricks). This innovative integration is a unique aspect of the project.

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

In Kisumu, there are no individuals or organizations that recycle plastics, only a few individuals, especially juice vendors collect plastic bottles for reuse purposes. I will be unique because I will use the raw local plastic waste, smelt them and make essential items such as cheap tables, containers, chairs and building components and structural elements.

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

Yes. This project has the potential to be a business venture. If you lead this initiative and involve other women in collecting, processing or creating products from recycled plastic, you'd be directly promoting female entrepreneurship. It will actively recruit and involve women in all stages of the project, from collection to creation.