Last month, we published our partner JA studio's findings on the status quo of our world. The Optimism is Blooming in a World Gone Mad publication shared the thoughts, worries and ideas of 138 design thinkers and doers in our network.

We recently looked at concerning global challenges, and today we're looking at inspiring solutions. From the study, 94 different solutions surfaced, which were divided into 17 groups. Of these groups, eight weren't directly represented in the SDGs. These were:

• Fashion Change
• Investment Sector Innovation
• Media & Communication Renewal
• Political Leadership
• Sharing & Digital Frontiers
• Social Innovation
• Technology Leaps
• Transportation

Some of the most intriguing finds include Investment Sector Innovation, which seeks better circumstances for investing and using finances to support growth. One participant noted the Refugee Investment Network (RIN) - an initiative bridging the gap between the untapped entrepreneurial potential of refugees and capital markets to spur economic growth, create jobs, and increase socio-economic stability among displaced people.

In regards to Fashion Change, which calls for more sustainable alternatives and models, circular brand Vigga was named. The Danish brand provides a subscription model for high-quality children's clothing, where used garments, often only worn a few times, can be rented. The model aims to address the highly unstainable and costly process of continually purchasing new clothes for growing children.

And, lastly, Social Innovation came in the lead. Participants pointed to Chilean Algramo, which provides vending machines of bulk staples, such as rice, beans, lentils, and sugar, to reduce the cost of household purchases by up to 40%. Algramo fills the machines, installs them for free in small neighbourhood stores, and splits the profit evenly with shopkeepers.

When participants shared the best or most effective sustainable solutions they’d recently heard of, five sectors stood out:

1. Health & Care Design
2. Waste Reduction
3. Investment Sector Innovation
4. Food & Farming Novelties
5. Energy Innovation

Looking back at the report Visual Field Notes, from 2016, the top five most recognised solutions were:

1. Farming & Agricultural Innovation
2. Community, Movement & Shared Spaces
3. Education & Research
4. Health & Care Innovation
5. Sharing & Digital Economy & Platforms

There are some definite overlaps in categories between the years. Healthcare and farming solutions still appear in the top five, although the two switched places since the last study. Investment Sector Innovation is in the top three, which is particularly encouraging, since Investment Mechanisms, Collaborations & Instruments were identified three years ago as a growing global challenge.

In addition, Waste Reduction climbed the ladder. JA identifies this as possibly inspired by the recent implementation of several new waste management solutions. The sector clearly shows more progress when compared to many other sectors, where solutions are often still at concept-level. As an example, The Ocean Cleanup, Index Award 2015 winner, recently proved it's worth and showed the world why we desperately need to change.

Stay tuned for more from Optimism is Blooming in a World Gone Mad!

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Image: The Ocean Cleanup