🌟 Meet Ben Partee: Innovating for a Sustainable Future 🌟

At 1000 Gretas, we are always on the lookout for groundbreaking ideas and passionate individuals driving climate innovation. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Ben Partee, the winner of the 2024 CU Boulder Sustainability Hackathon, to the 1000 Gretas family as our newest grantee!

Ben’s winning project caught our attention for its ingenuity and potential to make a tangible impact on the world. His work embodies the very essence of what 1000 Gretas strives to support: bold ideas tackling the pressing environmental challenges of our time.

💡 About Ben and His Vision

Ben has always been intrigued by the endless possibilities of technological innovation. He sees the cleantech space as a blank canvas—a place where creativity and purpose converge to solve critical challenges like climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. For Ben, addressing these issues isn’t just about safeguarding future generations; it’s about creating a sustainable and thriving world in our own lifetimes.

🔋 The Innovation: Mallard’s Long-Duration Battery Technology

Ben’s award-winning project focuses on developing long-duration battery technology that revolutionizes how renewable energy integrates into the power grid.

- Why It Matters: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are key to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. However, their intermittent nature makes energy storage crucial. Ben’s technology provides a solution by enabling efficient, long-term energy storage, ensuring a steady supply of clean power even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.

- The Impact: With innovations like this, we’re taking significant steps toward mitigating our dependence on fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a more resilient energy system.

🎯 What’s Next for Ben?

As a 1000 Gretas grantee, Ben will receive the funding and support needed to further develop his technology and scale its impact. Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing updates on his progress and showcasing how his work contributes to a more sustainable future.

🌍 Why We’re Excited About Ben’s Work

Ben’s project exemplifies the type of innovation that can transform the fight against climate change. By addressing one of the biggest barriers to clean energy adoption—energy storage—his technology has the potential to accelerate the global transition to renewable energy.

🤝 Join Us in Supporting Innovators Like Ben

At 1000 Gretas, we believe in the power of people like Ben to create meaningful change. By supporting climate entrepreneurs, we’re building a future where ideas become action and solutions have a lasting impact on the planet.

Stay tuned as we follow Ben’s journey and celebrate the incredible work he’s doing to power a cleaner, greener future!

Meet Our Newest Grantee: James Muritu and Progreen's Mission to Combat Plastic Pollution

We are thrilled to introduce our newest grantee, James Muritu, founder of Progreen, a company at the forefront of developing sustainable energy solutions in Kenya. James’ journey is not just about entrepreneurship—it's about turning a passion for environmental conservation into a groundbreaking business that aims to fight plastic pollution and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

A Journey Back Home to Kenya

James Muritu’s story began in 2012 when, after nearly a decade of working and traveling abroad, he returned to Kenya. Settling into a property 54 kilometers from Nairobi, James was immediately struck by the overwhelming plastic pollution in his community. One particular rainy season brought the issue to his doorstep—literally. Heavy rainstorms caused his property to flood because plastic waste had clogged the drainage systems. It was at that moment that James’ curiosity about the plastic waste problem was piqued, setting him on a path to finding a solution.

Eight Years of Research, One Transformative Idea

For many, encountering such a pressing issue might lead to frustration, but for James, it became a personal challenge. He took eight years to research and develop what would become the foundation of Progreen. He asked himself, “What’s the best solution to fighting plastic pollution?” The answer, he found, lay in transforming waste plastic into a viable, eco-friendly fuel alternative.

In 2023, James’ hard work bore fruit. He successfully created a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) capable of converting plastic waste into an alternative fuel. But that wasn’t the end of his innovation. James’ work didn’t stop with merely addressing plastic pollution—he aimed higher. By enriching the fuel with biomass and organic waste, James has pushed his innovation even closer to becoming a fully-fledged biofuel solution, providing an even more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

Innovating for the Future: A Stealthy Revolution in Cooking Gas

Beyond his breakthrough with biofuels, James has another exciting project in development. He’s working in stealth mode on a second innovation that could revolutionize how we cook. His goal is to create an alternative cooking gas that can replace fossil-based options, helping to lower carbon emissions and reduce the environmental impact of one of the most common household energy sources.

This vision of providing alternative fuel solutions, both for vehicles and for homes, positions Progreen as a critical player in the fight against climate change. James envisions a future where his contributions will help communities around the world move away from fossil fuels, empowering them with eco-friendly, sustainable options.

Progreen’s Vision: A Sustainable Future

James Muritu’s work at Progreen is about more than just business—it's a movement. His journey from being a curious observer of plastic pollution to becoming a climate change advocate is an inspiring example of how personal experiences can shape global solutions. With his innovative approach to biofuels and alternative energy sources, Progreen is poised to become a leader in sustainable energy, not just in Kenya but around the world.

As our newest grantee, we are excited to support James on his journey and help bring his vision to life. His work is a reminder that tackling climate change requires both innovation and dedication, and we’re proud to stand alongside him as he pioneers non-fossil fuel options for the masses.

Stay tuned for more updates as James continues to develop his groundbreaking innovations at Progreen!

Announcing 1000 Gretas' Annual Report: A Year of Impact and Innovation

We are thrilled to share the 1000 Gretas Annual Report, highlighting another incredible year of progress, collaboration, and climate innovation! This report showcases the inspiring work of climate entrepreneurs who are driving transformative change in communities across the globe.

In 2023, our organization continued to grow in remarkable ways:

- Expanded Our Community: We've strengthened our presence in the Boulder and Denver area, engaging local communities in climate action.

- Built Strong Partnerships: Collaborating with forward-thinking organizations and innovators, we've amplified climate solutions that address the most pressing environmental challenges.

- Supported Innovators with Capital: By offering higher levels of capital, we empowered entrepreneurs to accelerate their innovations and expand their impact.

Explore the full report to learn more about our accomplishments, inspiring grantees, and the impact we’re making together. Your support is key to making all of this possible, and we can't wait to continue this journey with you!

👉 Read the full 1000 Gretas Annual

Thank you for being part of this incredible community. Together, we are building a sustainable future!