Mihela Hladin is an unlikely candidate to change the world, but then again, so was the humming bird in the creation myth about how the stars were created (assuming it matters that she hails from one of the smallest countries in the world, Slovenia, and is leading the charge in greening one of the largest countries in the world).
The Hybrid Organization
The idea behind Greennovate came from a simple want: “to combine business and social potential to do something meaningful in China. This simple want evolved into a social business that is constantly pushing the barriers, integrating sustainable concepts into traditional business and community. We combine our community initiative and business services segments into one entity intent on building momentum for sustainability.”
The result is a multi-faceted organization that educates youth, develops environmental education training programs for schools, and funds these initiatives by consulting with business about sustainability practices, and specializes in green marketing strategies. (China does not have a non-profit structure; hence, entities like Greennovate have to create business structures that are self-sustaining).
In an interview with Aimee Barnes Mihela explained, the ties between the west and China~ “Most of their goods are produced in China; the pollution is here also because of the [foreign businesses], not just Chinese. If we would all have started these initiatives 10 years ago and tried to raise the educational level on the environment, things might be different now. But, then again, you cannot cry over something that has passed.”
Mihela Hladin gives a tour of the Greennovate offices while Ina Kukovic, and Chris Pothaar discuss why they are drawn to do environmental work in China:
Green: A Driver of Innovation
“Making “green” and sustainability a real part of our world requires some acutely innovative thinking…. New products, methods, and ways of thinking that can help us take serious steps on the road to sustainability are needed. In short, innovative ideas are what are going to make the world a greener and more sustainable place, and that’s what Greennovate is all about. We have been working with ideas that translate to a better quality of life in China since 2007.”
Two Initiatives To Keep An Eye On
MaGiC (an acronym for “Made GREEN in China”) is designed to shake traditional mindsets and make getting involved with the environment fun. Greennovate collaborates with companies to support youth-run design competitions (see a few of the products created in the video) as a way of inviting students to explore how waste can be repurposed into a resource and while learning the importance of the role of design role in the manufacturing process.
GECKO (Greennovate Environmental Challenge for Kids Outreach) Community Outreach program sends youth educators into schools across the country educating environmental principles and practices.
Get involved
If you want support their efforts, they are seeking corporate supporters for their educational initiatives and are accepting donations of environmentally themed books for their library (a service they provide to youth during their weekly green movie nights).
You can follow Mihela on Twitter @greennovate
Want more? Check out Mihela’s talk on common sense at TEDxShanghai.
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Tags: china, greenovate, Mihela Hladin, sustainability
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