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The Latest

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!



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!



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




We are thrilled to announce that Manuel Benitez Ruiz, founder of Plantaer, is the newest recipient of 1000 Gretas $1,000 grant. Manuel’s innovative approach to integrating nature with urban infrastructure promises to transform our cities into sustainable ecosystems. Learn more about his groundbreaking work at www.plantaer.com and connect with him on LinkedIn.

Inspired by Nature, Driven by Innovation

Manuel’s journey began with a frustration rooted in his civil engineering background. He was disheartened by the absence of nature-based solutions in construction. This led to a revolutionary idea: growing plants on concrete, the most utilized resource globally after water. Once he demonstrated the feasibility of this concept, Manuel recognized its immense environmental potential for urban areas and humanity at large. With a vision for a greener future, he took it upon himself to turn this idea into reality, rather than waiting for someone else to take the lead.

Vision for a Greener Future

Manuel envisions cities transformed by living concrete technology into vibrant, sustainable ecosystems. Imagine urban landscapes where buildings and streets are alive with plants, purifying the air, reducing heat, and enhancing biodiversity. By embedding organisms into our infrastructure, Plantaer aims to turn urban spaces into active contributors to sustainability, effectively lowering carbon footprints and capturing CO2.

With this technology, people will have the opportunity to choose building materials based on the plants that resonate with them, fostering a new era of vibrant, resilient cities where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

Revolutionizing Construction with Biodiversity-Supporting Building Materials

Plantaer is set to revolutionize the construction industry by introducing building materials that support biodiversity. This innovative approach not only addresses the pressing need for sustainable urban development but also paves the way for a future where our cities contribute positively to the environment.



Join Us in Celebrating Manuel Benitez Ruiz and Plantaer

We are honored to support Manuel and Plantaer with this grant and look forward to witnessing the impact of his work. By investing in innovative solutions like Plantaer's living concrete technology, we move one step closer to creating sustainable, nature-integrated urban environments.

Stay connected with Manuel's journey and the evolution of Plantaer by visiting www.plantaer.com and following him on LinkedIn. Together, we can build a future where our cities are not just places we live but thriving ecosystems that support life in all its forms.

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