Kenan-Flagler students are constantly searching for business solutions that have positive social and environmental impact. Kirstie Moore (BSBA ’21) is one of these passionate students. She partnered with Mallory Wolfe Turner (PhD ‘21, Gillings School of Global Public Health) to create Full Circle. They were honored as finalists in the Gillings School Student Pitch Competition in November!
Full Circle tackles single-use-plastics in a manner that will yield a positive impact on local food economies and public health. Covid-19 has resulted in a dramatic increase in single-use-plastics in restaurants, which are a serious public health problem. The sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, and disposal of plastics disproportionately pollute Black, Brown and low-wealth communities, leading to elevated risks of cancer, heart disease and asthma.
An alternative to single-use plastics is compostable food serviceware. However, it is expensive and most of the serviceware still ends up in landfills, where it doesn’t decompose as intended and emits greenhouse gases. Full Circle solves these issues with a closed-loop model. It helps restaurants purchase compostable food serviceware at a discounted price, and provides solutions that ensure that the customers and restaurants compost the serviceware.
See their pitch competition video here.