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 adverse outcomes of this trend result in environmental and social impacts, including landfill burden, habitat displacement and prevalence of skin flareups and respiratory allergies. Innovative solutions that minimise single-use packaging and leverage safer biobased ingredients are needed to support solid waste management and population health efforts on the mainland and sister isles of Carriacou and Petite Martinque.

Environmental Adverse Impacts

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)

Displacement of Wildlife Habitats and Endemic Species at Perseverance Protected Area, National Bird of Grenada (Leptotila wellsi) critically endangered.

Soil and Marine pollution from microplastics and leachate runoff into nearby Halifax Bay (less than 150m away).

Eutrophication, algal bloom and coral reef destruction at Molinere and Beausejour Marine Protected Areas.

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.

Adverse Health Impacts

Climate Change is exacerbating the determinants of health. Between 1990 and 2017, Grenada ranked third in the world for the greatest increase in Skin Diseases due to climate change.

-Dermatoses of the Caribbean, Giesey et al (2020)

Personal care and home cleaning products derived from petrochemistry contain known toxins, carcinogens and hormone disruptors that threaten human health.

Dermatological research affirms that petrochemical based skincare products damage Skin's Barrier integrity and by virtue the body's first line of immune defense.

Non-biobased and highly fragrant household cleaning products induce ezcematic flareups, contact dermatitis and respiratory allergies.

Poor air quality from atmospheric smog and particulate matter trigger upper respiratory conditions and allergies like asthma.

Solution:
Hive Home

An ecosystem of hypoallergenic biobased household products modelled on honeybee colonies. Formulate organic and natural Self-care products to repair and support Skin's Barrier defences. To manufacture refillable and biodegradable Home Care products that significantly reduce packaging.

Sustainable Impacts

To support nationwide climate mitigation efforts through waste diversion strategies to reduce household waste by up to 40% by 2030 (SDG 2030 Agenda) through refillable and biodegradable toiletries. Empower community engagement and participation through impact reporting.

Reduce municipal landfill load by offering packaging-free and packaging-reduced solutions.

Reduce leachate runoff via biodegradable and biocompatible ingredients.

Reduce microplastic pollution by offering biodegradable packaging and a refillable cleaning system.

Lower CO2, Methane and other GHG emissions from our business operational processes.

Improve pollinator awareness through education outreach.

Positive Health Outcomes

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 offer a biobased SPF-rated sunscreen for daily use.

To bolster the body's first line of immune defence by sustainably leveraging the antimicrobial and antiseptic properties of honey and bee propolis in household products.

Offering hypoallergenic products will improve the quality of life of islanders with Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) and Fish Scale Skin (Ichthyosis vulgaris).

Lower the incidence of vector-borne tropical diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya by formulating a DEET-Free and skin-compatible insect repellent.

To promote Holistic Health and Wellness through education and community health activities.