Story Search Results

Advanced Search

There are so many ways to search the solutions journalism stories in this database. Explore our searchable fields:

Search Results

You searched for: -

There are 678 results for your search. View and Refine Your Search Terms

Beekeeping empowers women, brings in honey and lush kitchen gardens

Monica Pelliccia

October 09, 2020 |

Mongabay |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: India

Almost 1000 women across remote and rural areas of India are caring for beehives as a part of the Under The Mango Tree (UTMT) network. The beekeepers have been employed through a social enterprise that aims to provide an extra source of income for farmers while working towards environmental conservation efforts. Beekeeping not only provided crucial income during the coronavirus shutdown, but it also helped pollinate home gardens, increasing produce output and enabling families to avoid markets during a time of social distancing.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Pee fanatics want to feed the world with your liquid gold

Katy Lee

October 07, 2020 |

Wired |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: France, Bordeaux

A French startup is turning urine into an environmentally-friendly fertilizer that could replace chemical products. Early tests suggest that the urine mixture created by Toopi Organics can compete with synthetic fertilizers, which end up in waterways and can alter lake and river ecosystems. While the organic fertilizer requires a significant amount of urine to make, it could be a viable alternative to grow crops.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Kenyan engineers recycling plastics for bricks

Yvonne Okwara-Matole

September 28, 2020 |

Citizen TV Kenya |

Video |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: Kenya

Gjenge Makers Ltd is an alternative building product manufacturing company that creates products – such as pavers and blocks – out of recycled plastics. Founded by four Kenyan engineers, the team began by studying the manufacturing process and researching what products would do well on the market. They then built all of the machinery themselves, which break down the plastics, and then mix them with other building material products to ultimately create customizable plastic bricks that can withstand larger weight and are less expensive than concrete. They are popular in rural and lower-income areas.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Soap on tap? A startup arrives in NYC with a plan to take the plastic out of cleaning products.

Claire Elise Thompson

September 21, 2020 |

Grist |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

To make food and cleaning products more accessible to those experiencing economic hardship, the startup Algramo has installed more than 2,500 automated bulk-dispensing systems throughout Chile where people can purchase an item and come back to refill it using the same container. Instead of competing against other consumer good companies, Algramo works with them to help change their packaging practices to reduce their plastic waste. Algramo is scaling the service to New York City and Indonesia to help cash-strapped and eco-friendly shoppers.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Truck Convoy Brings Boon to Town Plagued by Violence

Merveille Kavira Luneghe

September 20, 2020 |

Global Press Journal |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kanyabayonga

Truck convoys ensure safer journeys for drivers and their goods around Kanyabayonga, an area that experiences intermittent instability and violence between armed groups. Up to 100 trucks carrying goods like charcoal, bananas, or lumber line up most days and wait for permission to continue their journey. The local economy has benefited, with restaurants and stores popping up to accommodate the influx of people. A ban on night time driving to prevent threats from armed groups has also supported the growth of a hotel industry, with 15 informal hotels now in operation.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Atlanta's Trying to Support, Not Punish, Its Teenage Water Vendors

Adina Solomon

September 15, 2020 |

Next City |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Atlanta, Georgia

Teens selling water on the sweltering streets of Atlanta are typically dealt with by police officers who often crack down on "unpermitted sales of water by youth." In a new approach, city officials convened a council to offer alternatives to police action and suggested ways to promote and develop the entrepreneurial spirit in teens through a variety of programs. The council looked to a similar program in Baltimore that re-engaged windshield-washing teens in school and re-directed others to full-time jobs.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Will API Small Businesses Survive in Post-COVID Era?

Tomoko Nagai Gwen Muranka

September 05, 2020 |

Rafu Shimpo |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Los Angeles, California

Business counseling for struggling entrepreneurs has been crucial for small businesses trying to get back on their feet in the aftermath of the shutdown. The Asian Pacific Islander Small Business Program was specifically formed for Asian Pacific Islanders, who failed to find help because of language barriers. API SBP brings together different business communities to work collaboratively and pool resources. In addition to rent relief, navigating changes to PPP, and finding available grant programs, counselors have recently assisted businesses with social media presence and building websites.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Rebuild Foundation and Sunshine Enterprise team up to train city's creative entrepreneurs

Arionne Nettles

August 31, 2020 |

The Chicago Reader |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Chicago, Illinois

Artists in Chicago can benefit from entrepreneurial training programs which teach technical business skills, provide access to information about art grants and also build a network of like-minded creatives. Rebuild Foundation and Sunshine Enterprise are two initiatives that have provided creative entrepreneurs with the specific skills needed for creative ventures to succeed. The needs of this community of business owners is different from typical entrepreneurs.

Read More
Go to Original Story
Preserving forests while emptying trash cans? The story of a Burkinese green charcoal

Morgane le Cam

August 24, 2020 |

Heidi.news |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou

To preserve the millions of trees that are cut down just to produce coal in Burkina Faso, a Burkinese engineer created "green charcoal that would not only protect forests but also help fight against the proliferation of garbage." This ecological fuel is made from carbonized collected garbage and coconut husks, which in turn has reduced the amount of garbage that has to be managed by the authorities in charge of sanitation.

Read More
Go to Original Story
This Denver Group is Keeping Immigrants' Restaurant Dreams Alive

Jake Bullinger

August 14, 2020 |

Bitterroot |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Denver, Colorado

Comal Heritage Food Incubator trains immigrant and refugee women to start their own businesses in the food industry. Comal offers coaching, financial support, and connections to social services. It also pays trainees, which has been vital to endure the food industry shutdowns during the Covid-19 pandemic. The group also ensures members have food, rent assistance, school supplies, or diapers for their children. They partner with the Denver Metro Emergency Food Network, delivering about 290,000 meals since the pandemic began. The model is working in other cities, including Seattle and San Francisco.

Read More
Go to Original Story