MA ACE Unit 4 Diary

This week I has been focused on engaging with various stakeholders, gathering feedback, and refining the project’s direction. Conversations with tutors have provided valuable guidance for the assignment and research methodologies. Their input has helped clarify the project’s scope and areas to explore further. Meetings with Inci and Leia also made valuable insights and information.

I arrange to interview 3 local business owners, engaging with the target group has generated ideas for the next steps, offering a clearer understanding of product range priorities and the importance of meeting environmental conservation needs. Returning to London, I dedicated more time to academic research, finding several books that serve as excellent references for the project.

Simultaneously, work on the “Another Everest” exhibition in the Lake District is ongoing, with efforts focused on exhibition outlines and art directions for the Everest trash installations. I would like to share the poster with you. This is an opportunity for me to enhance connections and opportunities for the recycling venture. This week has been about gathering knowledge and insights to drive the project forward.

In my research journey, I’ve come across various platforms for environmental activism, and one brand that has captured my attention is Patagonia. Founded in 1973, Patagonia has consistently remained dedicated to environmental conservation. Patagonia is renowned for its proactive approach to environmental activism and sustainability. Patagonia actively supports grassroots organizations, reducing their environmental footprint through sustainable materials and fair labor practices. Their website and social media platforms serve as hubs for public engagement, creating a community of environmentally conscious individuals. Patagonia’s activism goes beyond words, deeply embedded in their brand identity and business practices, resonating with consumers who value both quality products and a strong commitment to environmental protection.

What’s particularly striking is that all their products are crafted from recycled materials, including polyester, nylon, and cotton. These recycled materials are transformed into new fabrics through a well-established recycling factory with state-of-the-art machinery. I’m eager to delve deeper into their processes and explore potential collaboration opportunities. I’m also intrigued by the idea of blending yak wools fibers with their recycled materials fibers to create exclusive highland hybrid fabrics, potentially opening up avenues for local exports. Additionally, I’m keen to understand how Patagonia effectively balances their commercial products with their environmental initiatives, and to glean insights on the technical aspects of their production line that could be adapted for local use.

Moreover, Patagonia’s approach to community-building through their website is impressive. It’s evident that they invest significant effort in fostering a community of individuals committed to taking action on pressing environmental issues, including biodiversity and other global challenges. This aspect of their brand is a powerful model for how a company can use its digital presence to inspire collective action and promote awareness. As Ranjit mentioned in our class, leveraging the advantages of AI and the internet can be a transformative strategy for approaching clients and building a brand, similar to how Patagonia has effectively utilized online platforms. The internet is a powerful tool for community-building, much like Patagonia’s approach. Create an online platform where like-minded individuals can connect, share stories, and discuss environmental issues. This not only fosters a sense of belonging but also keeps the brand top-of-mind.

My exploration of Patagonia not only provides valuable insights into sustainable materials and eco-conscious production line but also offers a blueprint for building an engaged community passionate about environmental advocacy. I’m excited to learn more about this brand and its multifaceted approach to environmental conservation.

While on the journey to shape the brand content of Khor, our logo is nearing the final stage of development. In the same time I’m engaged in the exploration of business research methodologies.

In the ongoing development of my project,, I’m increasingly aware of the importance of user testing and understanding our target audience, especially in the unique context of Tibet where a recycling business like mine hasn’t appeared before. Recognizing the low public awareness, I anticipate challenges in gaining individual consumers, but I see this as a temporary problem that will change over time as waste generation increases.

Therefore, my focus shifts to engage Tibetan local businesses, a potential key driver for the success of the project. I aim to go into several key aspects in my research. Firstly, I am keen to understand the extent to which local businesses in Tibet rely on materials from mainland China for their production or packaging. Secondly, I am interested in testing their willingness to use locally sourced recycled raw materials and packaging, even if it means paying a higher price compared to mass-produced alternatives.

Additionally, I want to explore the potential of my project becoming a supplier of recycled materials for local brands, whether in the form of 3D products created from local waste or textiles combining recycled plastic. Lastly, I aim to understand their expectations for a sustainable system in the future and what environmental initiatives they have implemented or plan to undertake for the plastic crisis that’s happening in Tibet.

To achieve these insights, I plan to conduct interviews with 5-8 founders or managers of local Tibetan brands. This not only facilitates a better understanding of their perspectives but also allows me to test the feasibility of adopting a business-to-business (B2B) model for my project. I believe this B2B business approach will not only broaden the project’s impact by involving multiple local businesses but also contribute to establishing a robust and sustainable local economy in Tibet.

In the coming weeks, I will be arranging interviews with a selection of local Tibetan brands. I have identified these brands as potential partners for our project. I will be reaching out to book their time for interviews and plan to conduct these interviews in the following week. Here are some of the selection products from these brands:

Continuing my research reflection, this week I’ve been actively seeking real-life cases in the market. I’ve delved deep into the recycling process and explored potential products for our future endeavors. It’s crucial to thoroughly research the possibilities, techniques, and achievable outcomes before continuing this journey. Although China has a limited number of recycling companies, I managed to establish contact with two companies. One of them is named Suda, which translates to ‘plastic response’ in Chinese. They primarily focus on plastics and align with my vision as they not only produce products but also organize events and awareness-raising exhibitions. Additionally, they are involved in material supply and data collection. After discussing my intentions with one of their founders, he expressed great interest in helping and participating in my final project, even suggesting experimental production in Tibet with a small machine.

The other company I had contacted previously is Terry Cycle, TerraCycle is an innovative company dedicated to eliminating waste and promoting recycling and upcycling. They have established a reputation for finding solutions for recycling materials that are traditionally difficult to recycle, such as certain plastics and various waste streams. TerraCycle offers various recycling programs and initiatives, partnering with individuals, organizations, and brands to collect and repurpose these materials.

TerraCycle is the expertise in recycling a wide range of materials, including plastics, paper, cardboard, electronics, and metals. They offer recycling solutions through programs called “Brigades” for specific items, partner with brands and organizations to create customized recycling initiatives, and promote reusable packaging through their Loop program. TerraCycle’s innovative approach aims to reduce waste and promote sustainability, especially for materials that are traditionally challenging to recycle, like plastics.

One of the most important aspects of TerraCycle is their open invitation to partner with businesses and organizations. They actively seek partnerships with companies and entities interested in contributing to sustainability efforts. By partnering with TerraCycle, you gain access to their recycling expertise, established infrastructure, and a platform for eco-friendly initiatives. This presents a valuable opportunity for me to develop my business proposal as I explore potential collaboration with TerraCycle, I believe they could be a potential catalyst in acquiring the essential technical machines and recycling skills.

From these two brands, I will expand my proposal and develop a clearer vision for future product and material planning. In the same time, I will continue to conduct in-depth market analysis to refine the project’s scope and objectives. Additionally, In the following week I will work on creating a more comprehensive visual design to enhance the project’s overall presentation and identity. Another update is that I am now back to London and ready to do more reading and get some academic support to help developing this idea.

Below are some inspirations from Pinterest.

In the process of conceptualizing a recycling brand, I deliberated on the choice of name and logo. The decision to name the company “Khor” stems from its Tibetan meaning of revolving or rotating, and the deeper connotation of “Khorwa” representing the cycle of life or samsara. This name was chosen with the intent of encapsulating our mission. As a student exploring the realms of entrepreneurship, Khor is dedicated to transforming the fate of waste materials, diverting them from landfills and converting them into valuable recycled resources. This includes producing fibers for 3D printing and textiles. The aim is not only to reduce waste but also to weave a meaningful narrative. The innovative approach of crafting unique and symbolic gifts from Tibet aligns with our overarching goal. It not only showcases the cultural heritage of the region but also underscores our commitment to environmental sustainability. Each Khor product tells a powerful story, reflecting Tibet’s dedication to preserving both its culture and the planet. This reflective report underscores the thought process and strategic decisions involved in shaping the identity and purpose of Khor.

Everest

In my journey of researching new materials and cases, I’ve been considering where to take the first step. As a brand owner, artist and curator myself, I thought raising awareness through exhibitions and art could be the easiestl first step to take. Fortunately, I’ve been given the opportunity to showcase our brand at the upcoming Kendal Mountain Festival in the UK, which is one of the world’s biggest mountain festivals, drawing in renowned outdoor brands, mountain-related film festivals, and exhibitions. During this event, I plan to bring Nerhi’s products and set up an installation featuring Everest Trash and a yeti in their ‘basecamp area’ to highlight the issue of highland waste. Additionally, I’ve been invited to participate as an artist in the ‘Another Everest’ exhibition, funded by the National Trust, commemorating the anniversary of the first British expedition to Tibet Everest. This exhibition is scheduled to open next June.

Throughout these exhibitions and festivals, my goal is to connect with like-minded individuals in the West who are working on eco-friendly materials and environmental solutions. Simultaneously, I aim to establish valuable connections for future business resources.

For the exhibition, we’ve gathered old prayer flags from Everest and conducted interviews with a monk from Rongbo Monastery, who has lived there for 30 years. He shares insights on climate change and his Buddhist perspective on mountains and recent human activities in the highlands.

Maximising the influence of the campaign, but also minimise our carbon footprint, we plan to transport a select amount of trash for the installation and consider duplicating a similar project in Tibet to raise local awareness. Luckily we got access to old footage from the UK Royal Geographic Department showcasing the towns around Everest from a century ago. This historical perspective will help us discuss how commercial mountaineering, human activities, and the region’s transformation geographically, economically, and culturally have evolved over the years. Obtaining permission to share these old images in Tibet could be a powerful material to educate locals about the rapid changes in their lands and the impacts of global warming. In the same time we have collected many old prayer flags from the Rongbo monastery by the permission of the Lama Sangye. We have also gathered the Everest trash the Tsering Cheynga mountain Museum collected over the years and brought some selective waste like broken tents, cans and bottles for the installation.

I aim to incorporate these experiences into my weekly reflective writings, exploring how they relate to business, entrepreneurship, and the broader campaign for environmental awareness. Please feel free to leave any comments!

In a piece of exciting news, Nirmal Purja, a member of Project Possible, successfully completed the daunting challenge of conquering all 14 peaks above 8000 meters within just six months. Recently, he visited Tibet to work on a documentary project, and there’s a compelling photograph of him at Camp 1, sporting Nerhi’s jacket during his expedition.

Highland Waste Management Innovation: Transforming Trash into Treasures

In my ongoing research journey into highland waste management innovation, I find myself increasingly captivated by the idea of turning waste into valuable resources. This week marks the third leg of my exploration, and it’s here that I want to share my reflections, insights, and evolving ideas with you.

As I ventured deeper into the Tibetan highland region this week, one issue became starkly evident – plastic waste. Plastic bottles, food packaging, and even oxygen cans from tourists littered the landscape. The urgency to tackle this environmental challenge struck me as I saw these non-biodegradable remnants in the highlands. 

To transform this waste dilemma into an opportunity, I’ve devised various business models. We envision ourselves as reliable material suppliers to local companies (B2B), crafting products blending recycled materials with traditional techniques for consumers (B2C), and becoming key suppliers for government projects (B2G). Our aim is not only to address environmental concerns but also to contribute to the local economy and culture.

One vital aspect of our project is raising public awareness and education. We believe that educating Tibetans and tourists alike about the importance of responsible waste management is essential. Prayer flags made from polyester and discarded plastic bottles are common sights during Mt. Kailash trips, highlighting the pressing need for change.

The potential to boost the local economy through this project is immense. By promoting locally made products, we aim to take the advantage of the growing tourism industry. Our target audience primarily comprises tourists, but we’re also keen on engaging the local community.

The company will be committed to giving back to the environment. A portion of our profits will be reinvested in environmental conservation efforts. This includes direct actions like waste collection and, equally importantly, educational initiatives to drive awareness and change.

For instance, consider the use of prayer flags. Throughout history, it has remained a deeply religious practice. However, with the advent of open markets and China’s technological and industrial prowess, the production of prayer flags has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Most notably, traditional fabrics have been infused with polyester to maximize profits. According to a shop owner I spoke with in Lhasa, polyester enhances the efficiency and print quality on these flags. Yet, it raises a profound question: What will these sacred sites look like in a century or more? The places where we hang prayer flags hold deep spiritual significance, and we must consider the implications for future generations. Furthermore, it’s imperative to bridge our traditions with modern products. How can we inspire people to embrace sustainable, biodegradable, and eco-friendly prayer flags, thus preserving our heritage while safeguarding the environment?

The Prayer flags on Mt.Droma in 5400m just opposite Mt. Kailash. 2023

In the coming weeks, my research will delve into successful waste management cases, analyse their strengths and weaknesses while evaluating the resources available to propel our brand forward.

As I continue this incredible journey, the vision of transforming highland waste into a source of local pride and prosperity is becoming more tangible. This project isn’t just about innovation; it’s about safeguarding our environment, preserving our culture, and contributing a sustainable future.

From this week, I had some changes of ideas through out the research, instead I think there will be a bigger potential to develop another brand which could become the material suppliers for all the local brand. The informations I gathered below will explain why there are potential and what is our ethics and ultimate goal in the future.

In my research, I’ve identified critical challenges in Tibet’s economy and culture. It’s evident that the demand for cultural products, largely driven by tourism, is currently met with Mainland China-made items, it is giving the degradation of local authenticity and quality. The massive use of non-degradable materials, particularly plastic, is a significant environmental concern, compounded by the limited awareness of plastic pollution.

Cultural degradation is a big concern as it can result in the loss of cultural diversity, heritage, and identity. Efforts are often made to preserve and revitalize endangered cultures and traditions to prevent or mitigate cultural degradation.

From my perspective, the Tibetan souvenir industry is experiencing cultural degradation, with raw materials and traditional production processes being negatively affected by mass market demands. I believe that my business idea to establish recycled materials suppliers and factories in Tibet can offer a solution to these problems. By emphasising sustainability, maximizing the involvement of local labor and preserving traditional skills, and meeting market demands simultaneously, I aim to drive cultural innovation, ensuring the revitalization and protection of Tibetan culture while creating a more sustainable and authentic souvenir industry.

As mentioned before, most of the new products are not ethically made as there’s more and more plastic and non-degradable products in the market in Tibet, there are huge numbers of waste waiting to go int0 landfill in the highland everyday. Therefore, transforming the destiny of waste materials from ending up in landfills into valuable recycled resources is essential, such as to fibres for 3D printing and textiles, could provide a meaningful opportunity to change the narrative. These upcycled materials could be used to craft unique and symbolic gifts from Tibet, representing not only the region’s cultural heritage but also its commitment to environmental sustainability. This innovative approach would not only reduce waste but also create a powerful story behind each gift, highlighting Tibet’s dedication to preserving its culture and the planet.

In this unit, I aim to investigate sustainable practices and the use of recycled materials within my brand Nerhi, a lifestyle brand rooted in Tibetan culture. Our brand was originated from Lhasa, seeks to merge traditional Tibetan elements with modern streetwear sensibilities. Recognizing the growing importance of sustainability and the recycled economy, we intend to assess the impact of integrating these principles into our operations. I hope to exploring potential sources of recycled materials that resonate with our designs, and evaluat the economic viability of such initiatives. By doing so, we aim to enhance our environmental stewardship, align with contemporary consumer preferences for sustainable fashion, and preserve our distinctive cultural identity.

Given the escalating environmental issues in Tibet, by the rapid growth of tourism in China, and the unawareness of global warming and plastic as a new material in recent two generations, there are pressing need to enhance environmental awareness among local Tibetans, our project want to take a holistic approach to address these challenges. We envision a locally-rooted initiative that uses Tibetan waste materials, employs local community members, and integrates authentic Tibetan culture and designs into our products. We aim not only to reduce environmental impact and recycle plastic to new materials, but also to foster a stronger sense of environmental awareness and responsibility.

In this unit, I am looking for a transformative journey to implement circular economy principles within Nerhi, my focus is on turning theory into practice.

This week, I will conduct field research on Tibet’s waste management system, explore various recyclable materials, and determine a culturally representative product. My key goals include calculating the project’s carbon footprint, raising environmental awarness and minimizing energy wastage.

www.nerhi.com