From Waste to Wow: Responsible Repurposing for a Sustainable Future - Event Report
The event "From Waste to Wow: Responsible Repurposing for a Sustainable Future" was held successfully on February 29th, 2024 with the aim of promoting sustainable practices and encouraging responsible consumption among junior and high school students in Japan. Organized by SILJ, in collaboration with Yuri Education Center led by experienced teacher Yuri Hirayama, the event featured 13 student pitches, expert insights, and interactive feedback discussions to improve the students’ ideas and delivery.
Student Pitch
Talented students, aged 10 to 18, from Yuri Education Center presented their creative ideas for repurposing waste materials, ranging from transforming eraser dust into useful products, reusing household fabric to implementing food waste composting devices at home. The pitches emphasized the importance of thinking outside of the box and taking responsibility in tackling environmental challenges. Ideas such as creating wooden toys, repurposing paper into digital databases, and recycling paper books also highlighted the potential for sustainable practices to drive positive change in the students' lives.
The event featured insights from sustainability experts Nick Ashley and Trang Ho to give comments and feedback on the students’ pitches. Mr.Ashley, after observing the student pitches, delivered a short speech on the philosophy of waste in nature and emphasized the significance of gratitude. Ms. Ho, Managing Director at Social Impact Lab Japan, shared her experiences in supporting social entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable business practices. Their perspectives underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in addressing global sustainability issues, from local student-based solutions and ideas.
"From Waste to Wow: Responsible Repurposing for a Sustainable Future" ended with a group discussion where parents and audience were seated with students to provide feedback on what went well and what could be improved for future pitches. The event provided a platform for students, experts, and the general public to come together and explore innovative solutions to environmental issues. Through this collaboration, we hope to inspire individuals to take action and contribute to a more sustainable world. The success of the event underscores the potential for collective efforts to drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future.
Social Impact Lab Japan was established as an accelerator to ensure that impact entrepreneurs thrive both locally and globally. We incubate, accelerate, and provide investment to impact entrepreneurs - who are driven by purpose - and catalyze them with support through training and mentorship. In Japan, we have partnered with more than 60 universities and educational institutions around the country, hosted +500 events with a focus on social entrepreneurship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and acted as a force of inspiration for people to change the world into a better place.
