week 2

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.