The Walmart Green Student Challenge received 81 sustainable business ideas from students across the country. Five were selected as semi-finalists and pitched their idea to a panel of top Canadian CEOS on February 29, 2012.
The calibre of submissions was extremely high. Here are a few more stellar student sustainable business ideas.
Minor aerodynamic adjustments to truck fleets can translate into significant financial savings and environment benefit.
As suppliers begin to improve their green business practices, they would be rewarded by distributors with opportunities for increased product visibility, and access to marketing tools.
A shuttle running between mass transit hubs and store locations to increase store traffic and reduce customer’s use of vehicles.
A product that will wirelessly receive receipts at the time of transaction, reducing the use of receipt paper.
A unique barcode to ensure minimal food waste occurs.
Development of new policies to reduce product tampering.
Eco-friendly shipping options are made available to consumers, relaxing time constraints imposed on shippers and carriers, allowing them to choose more efficient operations decisions.
Consolidate delivery of online purchases to single retail pick-up location. Supporting video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2XLAOJXpc.
Customers can choose how they would like their receipt – hardcopy or email – with no need for an app, as the POS equipment can send it instantly.
Blue Citizen is the world’s first sustainability social application. Supporting videos: http://mikeowangelo.com/WalmartChallenge/
Develop a global system of disassembly plants which take apart products then sell the parts and materials.
Greenscape is expected to change the traditional lawn and garden services industry through a synergy of environmental, social and local economic sustainability measures.
Retailers allow customers to ‘pre-order’ goods to be picked-up at a set time and on a set interval.
X10 asks companies to encourage all employees, no matter how high or low they are on the company ladder, to look for ways to cut down on what they use by 10%.
Oscar is an internet-enabled solution that connects stakeholders and parties interested in waste, generates dialogue regarding waste solutions, discover opportunities within the various waste-streams, and provide a platform for waste exchange.
SmartWIRE proposes a smart circuit breaker that cuts the voltage in the wires.
Green Capital offers an investment medium with long term sustainable benefits for businesses as well as healthy returns on a consistent basis. Supporting video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQqHUGIVaOw
eCO-OP will work towards helping Canadian business develop and implement projects that provide a return on investment, marketing benefits, and reduce Canada’s environmental footprint.
National standardized labels for recycling bins.
Product Profile will easily and accurately convey the sustainable practices of the manufacturer to the consumer.