The Asian University for Women (AUW) celebrated sustainability with an eco-preneurship competition showcasing student-led eco-business ventures, followed by a climate comedy night to raise climate awareness through laughter on Wednesday evening.
The innovative event was jointly hosted by the Green Bangle Project, Environmental Sciences Program and the AUW Environmental Sciences Club.
Ten innovative eco-preneurship ventures presented their eco-friendly and sustainable business ideas, which included alternatives to synthetic plastics, tooth powder and toothbrushes, plates, cups, tumblers, bamboo water filters, carbon blocks, bioplastics, arsenic removal filters, and a wide range of products crafted from palmyrah leaves. These included bags, juice, business cards, wedding invitations, bookmarks, and even a periodic table game.
Professor Dr. Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj, in his opening remarks, emphasized the importance of eco-preneurship as a tool to address both environmental and economic challenges. He highlighted the role of climate comedy in raising awareness about climate change issues and prompting critical thinking within the student community and broader society. Dr. Paulraj reiterated the Green Bangle Project and Environmental Sciences program’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges through women’s empowerment, education and training.
Climate journalist and Chattogram Bureau Chief at The Business Standard Shamsuddin Ilius, joined at the event as a special guest. He expressed his appreciation for the students’ efforts in developing eco-friendly alternatives contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
The participating teams included Leaf and Loom, Ice Cream, Palmyraculture, Husk.co, Gelogreen Bioplastics, Eco Hasi, Ecosol, Palm Print, Leaf Table, and Bamboo Water Filter.
Palm Print (Shaika & Samiha Ava), Palmyraculture (Menusa, Madhu, and Kishanthi), and Bamboo Water Filter (Mipru Marma) were recognized as the top three winners
Following the competition, the “Climate Comedy Night,” in collaboration with inside the Greenhouse and the University of Colorado provided a lighter but equally impactful approach to climate awareness.
Performances by Team Plastic Break Up (Moni Munda and Yunitha Sinnathurai from the Environmental Sciences program), Green Flag (Afra Nawar Rahman, Ayesha Shafika Bhuiyan, and Marziah Habib), Roya Bahar Qurbani, and Shahrin Sultana captivated the audience. Team Plastic Break Up’s performance was particularly well-received.
A distinguished panel of judges, including Shamsuddin Ilius, Dr. Fatima Mary Sidotam, Dr. Ahmedul Kabir, Dr. Shane Brennan,. Masudur Rahman and Dr. Timothy DeMay, evaluated both the business plans and the comedy performances.
This event was organized by a team of volunteers and Iffat Mahejabin, Assistant Project Manager of the Green Bangle Project, under the supervision of Dr. Mosae Selvakumar Paulraj, Project Leader-Green Bangle Project, and Director of the Environmental Sciences Program at the Asian University for Women, in collaboration with Inside the Greenhouse & the University of Colorado.
