EDEN Incubators Updates
Check this page to learn more about our current EDEN Incubators and to follow the progress of their transformative projects.
Mine Reclamation for Future Investment Rama Pramana Martono
E2E MiRAI is the bridge towards enriching society through exemplary environmental stewardship.
What It Is
The mining industry provides essential materials to support modern societies and drive national economic development, but it creates challenges and risks for the environment and the well-being of local communities that arouses controversy. Mining companies are seen as villains of environment destruction rather than heroes of community development because the mine reclamation implementation was done with minimum effort to comply with the regulation where “lowest common multiple” (the bare minimum required to comply) becomes the de facto standard for mine reclamation. We need a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that straddles the private and public sector, incorporated with the expertise to redesign the mine reclamation project and imbue it with value addition through the creation of new investment opportunities with exemplary environmental stewardship. I found the opportunity to optimize reclamation budget that is obligated by law to finance this SPV that will be able to convert formerly mined areas into becoming productive places. Mining companies, post-mining local communities and governments responsible for their welfare will all benefit from E2E MiRAI’s operations to restore the land and livelihoods in an environmentally sustainable manner.
If you have a special interest in Rama’s project, please feel free to contact him at rama.martono@gmail.com.
Empowering Under-privileged Women Through Sustainable Fashion Macrine Gabrielle Guzman Comendador
Gwapa Inc. is about empowering women from different walks of life through re-visualizing the power suit design and creation. I aim to influence the redesign of the fast fashion industry with ethical practices for production. As well as to influence the consumerist mindset to adopt an empowering lifestyle and conscious consumption patterns. Gwapa Inc. is an eco-friendly fashion line that offers sustainable classic professional wardrobe alternatives, particularly suit sets for women. Its origins are in Taguig, Philippines, but its designed in Tokyo, Japan. Materials used to produce the suit sets are up cycled materials and circular material alternatives. The company ensures throughout its business processes that it values nature and human life.
Continuing the Coversation with Macrine Comendador
Will you incorporate Japanese and Filipino culture into Gwapa?
Japan and the Philippines have cultures that are different, yet similar in some ways. Being a Filipino, and having spent more than 2 years in Japan, and I have been able to witness the beauty in both. I plan to integrate elements of each culture in the materials and design for my branding and clothing in Gwapa. Specifically, I will be using the elements of the Japanese Kimono - simple, functional, and exquisite design and materials. As for the Filipino side, I will incorporate the idea of ‘tagpi-tagpi’ or patchwork, as well as the butterfly sleeve pattern that is present in our Filipinianas (traditional dress of Filipino women).
How can you convince consumers to be conscious buyers?
The way to change people’s mindset is through heavy marketing and constant presence. Interaction with my consumers is important. My intention is to keep transparent in the production process, allowing them to stay engaged with the company. This will be done through a monthly newsletter, social media posts and an interactive website. Keeping the people in touch and having them know the impact that they make on each and every step of the production process will make Gwapa go beyond just a product.
Are you competing with the People Tree Model, and if not, how are you different?
Having read on their business model, I would admit that there is a great amount of similarities between the two business models. However, the difference with Gwapa is that we are specializing in power dressing as well as recycling, rather than using biodegradable or eco-friendly materials. We want to give waste a new life. Another would be a focus on reducing fashion waste in two locations (Japan and Philippines), which gives me a bigger scope compared to my competition.
Women empowerment seems to be a focus of your project. How will you include men in the conversation?
We will definitely include men in the conversation. It is not enough for only women to be aware of the issues of inequality because as a community we are all interconnected. We need your support, everyone’s support. Gwapa intends to market to men as well because it is important that they know the role that they play in achieving gender equality and how it will reap them benefits as well. Having men participate in this conversation is a win-win for both genders and this will be evident in our marketing materials and branding. This includes opening membership of the Gwapa network to all and creating designs that are unisex.
END
If you have a special interest in Macrine’s project, please feel free to contact her at mggcomendador@gmail.com.
Thanks for the insights EDEN Incubators. We look forward to hearing more about your progress soon!