Will we Consume or Save the Planet? ...urbanOvation Amsterdam Innovation Tour
On Friday, November 24 urbanOvation members joined an Innovation tour of Makers Unite and the United Repair Center in Amsterdam, organised by Bill Sebring and Gerard Groener. We were welcomed by Founder, Thami Schweichler, and Impact and Community Manager, Maria Clara Jimenez .
MU and URC are unique social enterprises that are making a real impact. They are innovative solutions to the challenges faced by the retail industry in creating a more sustainable future and an inspiring example of innovators turning words into action!.
Makers Unite supports newcomers in the Netherlands with access to the job market through the collaborative design and production of sustainable products, in the process shifting narratives around migration globally. They also promote ethical production and give material a second chance. They provide creative newcomers with talent development programs, enabling them to work independently and on creative assignments for their partners in a collaborative design process. This process helps brands achieve genuine social impact and offers employment for newcomers that showcases their talent and work ethic.
Maria and Thami shared the inspiring origin story of Makers Unite. They began by tapping the skills of recent migrants to the Netherlands to re-purpose the life jackets left by refugees on their arrival. They were 'up-cycled' into things like laptop cases and backpacks. MU provided workshops to help new arrivals learn new skills and connect them with local volunteers. These connections both gave purpose and a sense welcome to people who often are otherwise feared and rejected.
Giving new life to life vests!
Thami's and Maria's passion and enthusiasm were infectious! To help tour participants better understand the skills needed they led tour participants in a humbling sewing lesson.
Bill Kistler, Brent Katzin and Gerard Groener perfect their sewing skills!
United Repair Centre is on a mission to repair the clothing industry. They are committed to make real social and environmental impact with a one-stop shop for circular solutions. Our approach is convenient, scalable, and data-driven, making it easy to embrace sustainability and create positive change. Addressing the ongoing textile waste crisis and tackling social exclusion issues is no longer an option. With government regulations and growing consumer awareness, incorporating sustainable solutions is a necessity. URC offers circular solutions, from high-quality repair, “re-commerce and upcycling”. Their high-quality repair services provide employment opportunities to newcomers, young adults and other job seekers. They are partnering with brands like Patagonia and Decathlon to extend the life of their products.
Following a humbling sewing lesson, we were given a tour and shared a wonderful Syrian meal prepared by MU partners. During the ‘Long Table’ dinner discussion Thami and Maria discussed the challenges and opportunities they've encountered sparking a great conversation with tour participants.
Raoul Thomassen, Marie-Jeanne van Engelen, Michel Zalac and others listen to Maria's presentation while Pete Cooper eyes dinner!
I have seen very few such innovative and powerful initiatives. There is great potential in both to drive systemic change and make a real difference on some of the greatest social and economic challenges we face today.