The main goals of this framework, is to provide some examples of how different initiatives managed to use real world problems to their advantage, and to provide value either from materials that are usually considered waste or by providing an infrastructure that solves a deeper problem for a huge number of people. Many theoretical resources can introduce a beginner to the green economy topic. But we would like to provide some examples that can be used as a practical approach to practice it.
In this chapter, you will learn about two initiatives that use modest resources (paper, and wood) as the base for high-end, and luxury interior design creations. Both 7Lamps, and Moth have the same goal: to transform residues of low value into beautiful objects that can be used to improve a space.
Another initiative presented is having a more systemic approach to a much bigger problem: how to bring value to the people living in remote villages in Romania through sustainable tourism. The answer provided is the infrastructure for a new walking path in Europe, inspired by other trails like Camino de Santiago or Appalachian Trail. This type of systemic approach to a much larger social issue through building a whole infrastructure from scratch is possible only through focusing the resources, and the support of a wide variety of partners from companies, organizations, private persons, and official institutions. It is not the easiest to implement, but it embeds a much deeper approach to what a green economy initiative should look like.
