Kenya - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Transforming Trash into Treasure: The Art and Innovation of E-Waste Upcycling explores the creative practice of repurposing electronic waste into unique, eco-friendly jewelry, addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable fashion.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

The project is focused on addressing electronic waste by converting discarded components into unique jewelry. This initiative uses materials such as circuit boards, capacitors, and resistors to create sustainable, eco-friendly accessories. The project's primary goal is to mitigate the environmental impact of e-waste, showcasing how technology can be repurposed creatively and responsibly. Through innovation and design, this project highlights the value of upcycling in modern waste management. Each piece of jewelry not only prevents electronic waste from contributing to landfill but also serves as a statement of sustainable fashion.

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

1. Reduce the volume of electronic waste that ends up in landfills. 2. Reduce the harmful environmental effects of e-waste, such as soil and water contamination. 3. Preventing the wastage of valuable materials found in electronic devices by repurposing them into jewelry. 4. Create economic opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs through the production and sale of upcycled jewelry.

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. Promotes environmental sustainability: Upcycled jewelry reduces the demand for new raw materials and minimizes the environmental impact associated with mining and manufacturing processes. 2. Each jewelry piece is unique and artistic: They feature creative, one-of-a-kind designs where each piece may incorporate distinctive elements from its original materials, giving it a unique aesthetic appeal and story behind its creation. 3. Support for sustainable practices: It encourages consumers to choose products that are ethically and environmentally responsible, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. 4.

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

Individuals and organizations passionate about environmental conservation and waste reduction benefit from the project's focus on reducing e-waste through creative upcycling. Consumers who appreciate unique and sustainable fashion choices can enjoy wearing distinctive upcycled jewelry pieces.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2023-12-05

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.)

Mechanical Engineer- He is responsible for assess the suitability of various electronic components and materials for upcycling into jewelry.

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?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

By upcycling electronic waste into valuable jewelry, the project creates income-generating opportunities for artisans and small businesses involved in crafting and selling these products.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

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

It contributes to this as it helps reduce the accumulation of e-waste in landfills therefore reducing the pollution effect of these wastes that may harm individuals around the landfill areas

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

5

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

By involving participants in the design, crafting, and marketing of upcycled jewelry, the project promotes skill development in creative design, craftsmanship, entrepreneurship, and sustainable fashion. These skills contribute to lifelong learning and empower individuals with practical knowledge and abilities.

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

5

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

The project can actively promote gender equality by encouraging equal participation of women and men in all aspects of its activities, including design, crafting, marketing, and leadership roles.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

6

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

Reducing Water Contamination: Electronic waste (e-waste) often contains hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can leach into soil and water sources if not properly managed. By upcycling e-waste into valuable jewelry instead of disposing it in landfills or incinerators, the project helps prevent these contaminants from polluting water sources, contributing to cleaner water.

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

4

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

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

Job Creation: By creating economic opportunities through the production and sale of upcycled jewelry, the project generates employment for artisans, designers, and individuals involved in crafting, marketing, and selling these products. By promoting local production and consumption of upcycled products, it supports local economic development. It encourages sustainable economic practices and reduces dependence on imported goods, thereby fostering resilient and inclusive 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

Innovation in Waste Management: The project showcases innovative approaches to waste management by repurposing e-waste into valuable jewelry pieces. The project inv the use of technology in designing, crafting, and marketing upcycled jewelry.

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

The project fosters community engagement through collaborative workshops, educational programs, and awareness campaigns about sustainable practices. By involving diverse community members in project activities, it promotes social inclusion and strengthens social cohesion. Through entrepreneurship support and income generation activities, the project enables individuals to establish sustainable livelihoods in the sustainable fashion sector. This reduces dependency on informal and precarious employment, thereby contributing to more equitable economic opportunities.

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

5

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

By upcycling electronic waste into valuable jewelry, the project reduces waste generation and landfill contributions, mitigating environmental impact in urban areas. This encourages residents and businesses to adopt sustainable practices and contributes to creating more resource-efficient cities. By promoting local production and consumption of upcycled products, it supports economic development within communities while advancing environmental sustainability goals, thus contributing to building resilient and sustainable cities for future generations.

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

It actively promotes the principles of a circular economy by repurposing electronic waste (e-waste) into valuable jewelry, extending the lifespan of materials that would otherwise be discarded. By upcycling discarded materials, the project reduces the demand for new raw materials and minimizes the environmental impact associated with traditional manufacturing processes. This contributes to resource efficiency and supports sustainable production patterns.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

5

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: By upcycling electronic waste (e-waste) into jewelry instead of disposing it in landfills or incinerators, the project directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste disposal and the production of new materials.

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

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

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

4

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

The project engages stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including local communities, businesses, educational institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These partnerships facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and collective action towards shared sustainability goals. By collaborating with stakeholders involved in waste management, sustainable fashion, and environmental conservation, the project leverages expertise and resources to implement effective strategies. This collaboration strengthens efforts to promote sustainable consumption and production practices.

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

2

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.

7 - Strongly Agree

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

2

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

It addresses a distinct market demand or unmet need that existing products/services have not fully satisfied, positioning itself uniquely in the market. With its incorporation of new technology, the envisioned product/service introduces advancements that improve efficiency, usability, or sustainability, distinguishing it as a novel offering in its category. Ultimately, it represents a pioneering approach that introduces an entirely new type of product/service, aimed to disrupt and innovate within its industry while meeting evolving consumer expectations and market dynamics.

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

Traditional jewelry makers What would set my project apart could be the use of electronic waste as a raw material making the final products unique and the project's deep integration of local community values and cultural significance, leveraging traditional craftsmanship and regional aesthetics to create unique, high-quality products.

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

Yes, through networking events specifically designed for women, we aim to empower aspiring female entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and mentorship needed to start and grow their businesses successfully.