Sustainability Leaders
AIM2Flourish
WMU Haworth is proud to be a part of AIM2Flourish, the world’s first higher education curriculum based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This project gives students across the country a chance to research and identify companies that are implementing these goals into their business practices.
Using these goals as a lens, students research companies and leaders who are making sustainability a core part of their operations and culture. They also conduct in-person interviews with business leaders and then write a report detailing what they learned.
Read the stories below to find out more about how these companies are implementing the Sustainable Development Goals every day.
Atomic Sierra
Atomic Sierra, founded by Abigail Jaqua, is described as "sustainable fashion with a purpose." Jaqua's core goal in creating Atomic Sierra is to inspire people to make conscious decisions regarding the planet and the environment while still looking and feeling good.
Rose Soma
Rose Soma aims to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and reduce waste in the textile industry by selling reconstructive clothing made of recycled materials. Soma's online shop also includes fine art, stickers and masks made from reconstructed materials.
Bee Joyful Shop
Bee Joyful Shop is Michigan's first zero waste shop and refillery, featuring locally made and sustainably sourced zero waste products for your home, kitchen bath and beauty routine.
Kalsec
Extracting the best of nature and converting it into liquid extracts that food and beverage companies will use in their products is how Kalsec is able to help feed the hungry in a healthy and sustainable way.
Revolution Farms
Revolution Farms believes greenhouse farming is a solution to the many challenges faced by the future of agriculture. Their system uses 90% less water, 90% less land and requires 90% less travel in a truck than other leading year-round lettuce farms currently supplying Midwest stores.
The Gluten Free Bar
Gluten Free Bar was created by two brothers with Celiac Disease who understand the struggle many face when trying to find quality gluten-free food. As a “triple bottom line company,” GFB focuses its business goals on People, Planet and Profits.
Solar Winds Power Systems
Solar Winds Power Systems is considered one of the most experienced and responsive solar photovoltaic installation firms in southwest Michigan. The company’s innovation lies in taking the newest solar technology to underutilized markets by using real-time data to support solar panel use.
Water Street Coffee
Water Street Coffee opened in Kalamazoo in 1993 and has grown from a one-man coffee shop to a successful line of cafés. Through fair trade and growing organic coffees, Water Street has benefited the lives of hundreds of people, working with Royal Importer to employ workers in countries like Ethiopia and Mexico.