AWARD YEAR
2015
CATEGORY
Work
GOALS
No Poverty
KEYWORDS
recycling, income, waste management
COUNTRY
United States of America
DESIGNED BY
Mr. Thiago Pinto, MBA at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Co-founder of New Hope Ecotech.
Mr. Jai Krishnan, Master of Science (MS), Engineering Design and Innovation, Northwestern University and Stanford University.
Ms. Shannon McDevitt, Master of Science (MS), Engineering Design and Innovation, Northwestern University and Michigan University.
With the support of Greater Good Studio, Giral Viveiro de Projetos and IDEO’s Chicago office.
WEBSITE
http://www.nhecotech2.com/#!english/ca9z
New Hope Ecotech
NHE designed an inclusive “Waste Credits” market, connecting waste pickers with large manufacturers.
The World Bank estimates that 1–2% of global population subsists by waste picking. Millions survive by collecting and selling solid waste. Most face poor working conditions, earn low and volatile income for the materials and are never paid for the services they provide to society.
Manufacturers are in great need for recycling solutions in Brazil. Since 2014, a new policy requires them to recycle packages they have inserted in the market.
What if we could connect manufacturers’ needs with waste pickers’ services?
.
New Hope Ecotech (NHE) aims to connect polluters with waste pickers via direct servicing and tradable environmental securities. By tracking the flow of materials in the recycling chain, NHE can issue recycling certificates. These securities/certificates (similar to Carbon Credits, but for recyclables) solve polluters’ regulatory obligations, increase recycling rates and generate additional stable income for informal waste pickers.
