Mobilizing Higher-Ed to Combat the Water & Plastic Crises
Summary
In 2024, Didómi committed to galvanize a cohort of 20 higher education institutions toward transitioning away from single-use plastics, developing sustainable water infrastructure on their campuses, and contributing to vital water access initiatives around the globe. Modeled after successful initiatives with The George Washington University and The New School, Didómi established these institutions as leaders in environmental stewardship through large-scale sustainability campaigns. By addressing both the water crisis and the plastic waste crisis, Didómi aims to create a positive impact on public health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of communities affected by these issues. As a social enterprise founded by African immigrants who have personally experienced the water crisis, Didómi will draw upon its narrative and expertise in spearheading large-scale sustainability campaigns and developing sustainable infrastructure to inspire and effect change. The ultimate goal is to transform the higher education sector, nurture a culture of responsibility and environmentalism that extends beyond campuses, and set a new benchmark for environmental stewardship across academia.
Approach
Didomi commits to galvanize a cohort of 20 higher education institutions towards transitioning away from single-use plastics, developing sustainable water infrastructure on their campuses, and contributing to vital water access initiatives around the globe. By addressing both the water crisis and the plastic waste crisis, Didomi aims to create a positive impact on public health, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of communities affected by these issues. Started in Minnesota by two immigrants who endured the water crisis, Didómi is a social enterprise that uses funds generated from water bottle sales to combat the water crisis. The ultimate goal is to transform the higher education sector, nurturing a culture of responsibility and environmentalism that extends beyond campuses and sets a new benchmark for environmental stewardship across academia.
Didomi developed a strategic framework to guide institutions in establishing reusable water bottle infrastructure and facilitating access to reusable bottles for their communities, either through direct distribution or significant subsidies. This model includes allocating a portion of funds from the purchase of Didomi bottles to high-impact water projects in water stressed communities across the globe. Didomi aims to customize their model to suit a diverse range of educational institutions. For instance, by implementing a subsidy-based system where institutions, alongside investing in refillable water bottle stations, would also subsidize the cost of reusable water bottles for their community members. This method signifies a shift from merely supplying products to cultivating an environment where institutions can autonomously embrace sustainable practices.
Through collaboration with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) Didomi will foster engagement and promote the adoption of a comprehensive framework to transition away from single use plastic bottles. Modeled after the successful initiatives with George Washington University and The New School, Didomi will establish these institutions as leaders in environmental stewardship through large-scale sustainability campaigns.
Action Plan
August – November 2024: Develop and finalize a strategic framework, incorporating subsidy models and guidance on reusable water bottle infrastructure.
Engage with educational institutions to assess needs and readiness to transition away from single-use plastics.
December 2024 – February 2025: Begin initial planning and outreach, leveraging our partnership with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to identify partner institutions. Capitalize on advertisement opportunities in bulletins and newsletters, develop marketing materials, host webinars, and present at AASHE’s annual conference to raise awareness and foster partnerships.
February 2025 – August 2025: Launch pilot programs in select institutions to test the implementation of refillable water stations and the distribution of subsidized or gifted reusable bottles, gathering feedback to refine our strategy.
September 2025 – August 2026: Refine and expand the initiative, using insights from the pilot programs to target engagement with 20 total higher education partners. This phase will include continuous monitoring and evaluation of the sustainability campaigns’ impact and effectiveness.
Quarterly reviews throughout the two-year term will ensure progress is tracked, challenges are addressed, and strategies are adjusted as necessary.
Background
The lack of access to clean and safe water, and the environmental damage caused by single-use plastics represent two intertwined global challenges. According to the UN, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to clean and safe water, highlighting a significant public health crisis. This situation forces women and children to spend around 200 million hours collectively gathering water, which not only poses immediate health risks but also hampers human potential by diverting time from education, work, and community development (UNICEF) .
The issue of water access is compounded by the environmental impact of single-use plastics. Annually, 12 million tons of plastic enter our oceans, contributing to pollution and ecosystem degradation (Ocean Conservancy) . This is exacerbated by the consumption of single-use water bottles, with 1 million bottles purchased every minute, according to the Earth Day Network. The majority of these plastics end up in African countries, either being shipped directly to Africa or landing on its coasts, further straining the environmental and health infrastructures of these regions (“Plastic Waste in Africa,” United Nations Environment Programme) .
Higher education institutions have the potential to address these issues significantly. Universities and colleges are hubs of innovation, influence, and large-scale consumption. By reducing single-use plastics on campuses and promoting sustainable practices, they can lead by example and educate the next generation about environmental stewardship. Moreover, initiatives to improve water access and quality on campuses can highlight the importance of water conservation and inspire broader community actions. Engaging higher education in this effort can create a ripple effect, mobilizing students, staff, and faculty to contribute to global solutions for clean water access and plastic waste reduction.
Progress Update
Partnership Opportunities
To complete and scale our commitment, Didomi is seeking connections to administrative-level individuals within educational institutions who can facilitate and support the implementation of our sustainability framework. Additionally, Didomi seeks contacts who can help publicize and share stories about our campaign, increasing visibility and impact and investors to provide the necessary capital to enhance search and lead generation efforts and ensure their sustainability initiatives reach and impact a broader audience., As thought leaders and organizers of a national sustainability movement, Didomi offers partnerships that encompass a comprehensive framework for campus wide sustainability initiatives that include the provision of high-quality, custom-branded, reusable water bottles. Didomi’s offering to partners includes a robust model designed to catalyze the shift away from single-use plastics, promote sustainable practices within educational institutions, and facilitate environmental justice and social impact water projects in water-stressed communities.
In addition to providing sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics, Didomi will offer guidance and expertise in organizing and executing large-scale campus sustainability initiatives. Integral to our partnerships is hosting “The Oasis,” a dynamic community event tailored to spark awareness and action around environmental justice. This event is intended to engage, educate and empower campus community members and serves as a vital platform for raising awareness and fostering active participation in campus sustainability initiatives