VANESSA, HUNG & ANGELA'S IDEA: Pedalling towards sustainability with bamboo bicycles. Join us in saving the planet!
Your Name
Vanessa, Hung & Angela
In one sentence, tell us about your idea.
Can you imagine joining a cycling tour around Vancouver, British Columbia that not only promotes sustainability through active transport but also uses handmade bamboo bicycles?
Finish this sentence: My ideal collaborative partner or partners would be...
We are seeking partners who share a common interest in promoting sustainability. Our ideal collaborative partners would be skilled bamboo bike frame builders, bamboo suppliers in Southeast Asia, sustainable logistic providers, tour and activity operators, hotels, influencers, and independent photographers.
In regards to finding the right collaborator, what is the most immediate or most pressing challenge you're facing right now?
Bamboo is commonly found in tropical and temperate regions, making it difficult to find a supplier based in Canada that ensures a sustainable supply of raw materials. As a result, finding the right partnership with international suppliers, particularly in Southeast Asia, is a critical one.
BONUS QUESTION: What is it about your idea that makes you feel good?
A significant number of world populations intend to learn more about humanity's impact on the environment and how they can participate in sustaining our planet. Travelling is one of the most important parts of people's life education. Therefore, we are humbled and honoured to create an opportunity to encourage tourists to step out of their comfort zone to explore new innovative, meaningful, and eco-friendly transportation to embrace beautiful Vancouver. Collaborating with highly skilled partners with a common interest in sustainability will encourage and aid each other in producing more sustainable future growth opportunities.
What makes your idea innovative? Why has no one ever done it before?
Bamboo bicycle tours have been operated in a few cities in Spain but not in Vancouver. Bamboo bikes are unique and visually appealing, and it works as a natural buffer providing smooth pedalling because of their flexibility. Bamboo bikes are not common in Vancouver because of the difficulty in obtaining raw materials, as well as supply issues. The goal, however, is to actively engage with international suppliers in Southeast Asia and to find local growers with quality bamboo to make this venture possible.
How far does your idea reach?
Local
Ideally, when would you launch this idea?
Two years from now
Who will benefit the most from your idea?
Local community and businesses.
At Sigmund, we are interested in ideas at the intersection of People, Planet, and Profit. How does your idea support these three categories?
In consideration of the three pillars of business sustainability, below details how the idea supports each category. People: The bamboo cycling tour will bring new business opportunities to residents and create extra employment opportunities. We often observe an intention-action gap. Therefore, we will provide a clear vision and highlight its benefits to promote our business to local accommodation stakeholders, tourism operators, and prospective customers to participate in the bamboo bicycle program and share the idea of sustainability. Planet: Bamboo sequesters carbon dioxide; it is also durable and adaptable, meaning it can be used as an alternative to plastic and steel. Steel production requires a lot of energy; using bamboo will reduce the production process to 10% of energy usage. The majority of consumers often have negative associations with sustainable products, such as lower quality, less aesthetically appealing, and more expensive. We are challenged to offset the negativity. Bamboo is light, robust, flexible and cost-effective. Using bamboo is a fantastic way to sustain a forest because it proliferates. Profit: Creating this business will create employment opportunities for both local and international communities. Sustainability and economic impact are at the heart of this initiative.
Making the world a better place can seem daunting. At Sigmund, we have found this list of UN Goals to be a great compass. What UN goals would you say your idea relates to?
Good Health and Well-being
Decent Work and Economic Growth
Sustainable Cities and Communities
Climate Action
Partnerships to achieve the Goal