It’s finally here – event supplies that are good for people and the planet! The Sustainable Events Collection is the result of a fruitful collaboration between a 3M Impact Elevate (formerly known as “Catalyst”) pro bono program facilitated by PYXERA Global(www.pyxeraglobal.org) and Global Mamas ( www.globalmamas.org) that kicked off in 2020. Concerned about the amount of plastics and waste witnessed as conference attendees, Global Mamas saw an opportunity to reinvent event materials using the basic principles of a circular economy. Global Mamas worked with 3M Impact Elevate program to bring fresh and innovative solutions to Global Mamas’ vision of providing eco-friendly products to the many corporate events taking place each year in Ghana.

By sustainably harvesting an invasive weed growing in the Volta River, known as water hyacinth, Global Mamas discovered how to produce paper products that help improve the river’s biodiversity as well as support waterway-dependent livelihoods. With a fresh perspective, a dynamic team of 3M Impact Elevate executives validated the business idea and guided the planning and development of products for greener events that also promote sustainable livelihoods in Ghana.

Global Mamas is launching the Sustainable Events Collection as a result of this work. The collection is fair trade and handmade from 100% renewable and/or upcycled materials. The collection includes a name badge with batiked organic fabric scrap neck strap, a notebook made from water hyacinth paper wrapped in batiked organic cotton fabric scraps and recycled glass bead closure, folders customized with company or event logos, and swag bags made from a sturdy but flexible formulation of hyacinth paper and twisted stems for handles or swap those for an upcycled flour sack tote.

With the assistance of such pro bono technical interventions from the 3M Impact Elevate Program and partners like PYXERA Global, Global Mamas is eager to work with companies that are ready to distinctly show their commitment to sustainability by including fair trade, handmade, sustainable conference products at their next corporate event! For more information, contact Allison Greene (allison@globalmamas.org).