Isle Bee Well
Household Waste Diversion Project, Grenada W.I
The hygienic needs of Grenada's growing population are driving the importation of non-biodegradable, petrochemical based personal care and home cleaning products. The negative outcomes of this trend result in environmental and social impacts including landfill burden, habitat displacement and prevalence of skin flareups and respiratory allergies. To support solid waste management and population health efforts on the mainland and sister isles, innovative solutions that minimize single use packaging and leverage safer biobased ingredients are needed.
Negative Impacts
Environmental
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A 30% increase in total waste since 1990 with a steady 1.2% increase every year. In 2022, close to 24,0000 tonnes of household or municipal waste) entered the Perseverance landfill.
-Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA)
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Displacement of Wildlife Habitats and Endemic Species at Perseverance Protected Area, National Bird of Grenada (Leptotila wellsi) critically endangered.
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Soil and Marine pollution from microplastics and leachate runoff into nearby Halifax Bay (less than 150m away).
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Eutrophication, algal bloom and coral reef destruction at Molinere and Beausejour Marine Protected Areas.
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Tropospheric smog from incineration and spontaneous combustion of landfill waste due to high Methane and other flammable Green House Gases (GHGs), poor driving visibility for drivers on the west coast of the island.
Negative Impacts
Social/Health
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Climate Change is exacerbating the determinants of health. Grenada ranked 3rd in the world for the greatest increase in Skin Diseases due to climate change between 1990-2017.
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-Dermatoses of the Caribbean: Burden of skin disease and associated socioeconomic status in the Caribbean
Giesey et al (2020)
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Personal care and home cleaning products derived from petrochemistry contain known toxins, carcinogens and hormone disruptors that threaten human health.
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Dermatological research affirms that petrochemical based skincare products damage Skin's Barrier integrity and by virtue the body's first line of immune defense.
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Non-biobased and highly fragrant household cleaning products induce ezcematic flareups, contact dermatitis and respiratory allergies.
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Poor air quality from atmospheric smog and particulate matter trigger upper respiratory conditions and allergies like asthma.
Our Solution
Offer an ecosystem of biobased household products that is skin and nature compatible. Formulate organic and natural Self Care products aimed at repairing and supporting Skin's Barrier Defences. To manufacture refillable and biodegradable Home Care products that significantly reduces the need for packaging.
Positive Impacts
Environmental
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To support nationwide climate mitigation efforts via waste diversion strategies aimed at reducing household waste up to 45% by 2030 (SDG 2030 Agenda) through refillable and biodegradable toiletries.
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Reduce municipal landfill load by offering packaging-free and packaging reduced solutions.
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Reduce leachate runoff via biodegradable and biocompatible ingredients.
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Reduce microplastic pollution by offering biodegradable packaging and a refillable cleaning system.
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Lower CO2, Methane and other GHG emssions from incineration and spontaneous combustion.
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Improve air quality for neighbouring communities and driving visibility for travelers along the western main road.
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Improve pollinator awareness by showcasing honeybee inspired nature-based solutions for sustainable living.
Positive Impacts
Social/Health
To lower Grenada's prevalence of skin related conditions and diseases influenced by the effects of climate change and the daily use of carcinogenic petrochemical products. To increase awareness and best practices on ultraviolet (UV) exposure in the tropics and to offer a biobased SPF-rated sunscreen for daily use.
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To bolster the body's first line of defence by strengthening Skin’s Barrier Defense systems through barrier support skincare formulations.
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To improve the quality of life of islanders with Ezcema (Atopic Dermatitis) and Fish Scale Skin (Ichythiosis Vulgaris) by offering hypoallergenic products that reduce flareups.
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Reduce respiratory allergies from highly fragrant cleaning products by offering low irritant, biobased cleaning solutions.
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To lower the incidence of vector-borne tropical diseases like Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya by formulating a DEET-Free and skin compatible insect repellent.
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To support upper respiratory health by formulating a remedial throat spray meant to clear air passages and strengthen respiratory immunity.
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To promote Holistic Health and Wellness through community supported activities.
