finalist q&a

Environmentally Conscious Organization (e.c.o.), Inc. is a design and licensing firm, dedicated to improving outmoded, outdated and wasteful food packaging. e.c.o. is marketing its first product, the ‘Green Box’ (US Patent 7,051,919), a pizza box manufactured from 100% recycled material. The top of the ‘Green Box’ breaks down into convenient serving plates, eliminating the need for disposable plates. The remainder of the box converts easily into a handy storage container, eliminating the need for plastic wrap, tin foil or plastic bags. The perforations and scores that create this functionality allow for easy disposal into a standard-sized recycling bin. Made from a standard pizza blank, the ‘Green Box’ requires no additional material or major redesign and can therefore be produced at no additional manufacturing cost. e.c.o. owns the utility patent on the ‘Green Box.’

Fanta-Sea Divers teach people how to blow bubbles! They are scuba diving instructors, introducing folks to an exciting new underwater world. Here is what they say: "It is so amazing to see the look on our students faces when they realize how much FUN scuba diving is and how truly magical the underwater world is."

Superbus is a full size school bus that has all the seats removed, and retro fitted into a gym for ages 2-7. Superbus "delivers" fun to area child care centers and schools in the Louisville KY area. Their obstacle course changes every week, with equipment such as cargo net, climbing board, monkey bars, mountain wall, zip line balance beam high/low bar, tumbling equipment, and more. The program teaches a non-competitive love for sports and fitness and helps children with their self confidence.

Started over 60 years ago, Jasco’s beginning coincided with the beginning of American fashion. Over five years ago, they launched a luxury organic and sustainable line of fabrics called Jasco Eco, and their sales and the collection have been growing steadily. Jasco donate their organic fabrics to fashion departments across the county to inspire design students and raise awareness.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

Otter Bay Wetsuits manufactures custom wetsuits for cold water diving. They also do repairs and alterations on existing suits.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

The Energy Cafe is an internet cafe next to a high school. The entire concept developed with the collaboration of the high school students who would become the customers. The high school kids helped in every aspect of building and opening this cafe, giving them a real world application for some of the stuff they are learning in school.

Spirit Works is a Retail yarn and lesson company, with a 300 sq ft storefront and an online business.

How did you come up with the idea for your business, and what, or who, is your main source of motivation?

Go Green Go creates T-shirts that promote eco-friendly activities, such as walking, hiking, biking, sailing, etc. The logo is a "little green guy" carrying the earth. Their tag line is "Saving the Earth One Shirt at a Time". These T-shirts are a walking billboard--not only do they raise the awareness of the need to preserve the environment but they also promote eco-friendly activities.

Greener Planet Design, LLC provides Residential New-build and Re-Green Architectural design plan services. With an environmental focus, these plans detail: The construction, specification, and resources needed for a complete set of building permits and site implementation. More specifically, the design goals provide short and long-term public resource dependency reduction for home-owners on utilities such as Energy, Fuel, and Water. The company empowers clients to build with less impact to themselves and the environment.

Engines of Creation Web Design & Development offers website design, development and search engine marketing services to small and medium sized businesses. They have a large focus on customer service and providing a quality service at an affordable price.