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The Latest



We're thrilled to announce our newest grantee, Letsile Bogadi, and her innovative company, Nanobig Solutions!


Letsile's journey into sustainability began with a realization: waste is not just a problem but a potential opportunity. Drawing on her background in Materials and Nanochemistry, she embarked on a mission to transform waste into valuable materials, particularly focusing on Nanomaterials for water treatment.


At a recent sustainability conference, Letsile highlighted the urgent need to address waste as a significant contributor to climate issues. Her vision is clear: by harnessing waste as a resource, we can not only mitigate environmental harm but also create added value. Her call to action reflects her dedication to collaboration, seeking connection with an R&D institution equipped with electrospinning capacity.



When asked about the future her innovation could bring, Letsile paints a hopeful picture. She envisions a world where no biomass is wasted, thereby eliminating associated greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, her innovative solutions promise to reduce both the energy and financial costs of water treatment. This, she believes, will empower nations with limited economic resources to thrive despite the challenges posed by climate change.

Join us in celebrating Letsile Bogadi and Nanobig Solutions as they pave the way towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make a lasting impact on our planet.


Stay tuned for updates on Letsile's groundbreaking work and how you can get involved in supporting her vision. Together, let's build a brighter tomorrow.

We are thrilled to announce the latest recipient of the 1000 Gretas grant - Blazin' Joe, a company founded by the dynamic Maddie Cataldo. Maddie's journey in environmental entrepreneurship, sparked by her father's biodiesel company, has led to the creation of a revolutionary solution to repurpose spent coffee grounds.



A Passion for Sustainability:

Maddie's childhood exposure to her father's biodiesel company fueled her interest in upcycling for the environment. This passion guided her to major in sustainability and entrepreneurship at CU Boulder, where she discovered the potential of entrepreneurship to create positive change.


Blazin' Joe's Mission:

Blazin' Joe is on a mission to transform the way we view and discard spent coffee grounds. Recognizing the environmental impact of coffee grounds in landfills, Maddie and her team have developed an ingenious solution - turning coffee waste into all-natural firelogs and fire starters.


Eco-Friendly Fire Products:

Blazin' Joe's firelogs and fire starters burn hotter than traditional wood, providing a long-lasting warmth perfect for indoor and outdoor use. Free from harmful chemicals, these products offer a delightful, eco-friendly alternative without the unpleasant scents commonly found in artificial logs.


Closing the Loop in the Coffee Industry:

Blazin' Joe aims to close the loop in the coffee industry, creating a truly circular system. By choosing their coffee-fueled fires, consumers actively participate in reducing spent coffee grounds and embracing a sustainable lifestyle.



Read More:

For a detailed exploration of Blazin' Joe's journey and the impact they're making, check out their website! Discover the inspiration behind Maddie Cataldo's vision and learn more about how Blazin' Joe is transforming the way we think about waste.

Thank you for being a part of the 1000 Gretas community and supporting innovative initiatives like Blazin' Joe. Together, we can create a sustainable future for generations to come.

We're thrilled to share exciting news about our latest grant recipient, Ribbit Network! As advocates for climate innovation, we're proud to support Ribbit Network with a $5,000 grant to further their mission in climate observation and awareness.



Establishing Impactful Climate Solutions

Ribbit Network, a previous recipient of our $1,000 grant, has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing open-source designs, hardware, and software for Frog Sensors. Ribbit Network is a non-profit organization that inspires students, teachers, makers, and scientists to take direct climate action by building a sensor and contributing to open-source globally-distributed climate observation network. With a strong commitment to community-driven climate observation, Ribbit Network has achieved significant milestones, including:


- 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status: Ribbit Network is now a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit, fostering a community of over 200 members and deploying 200 sensors globally.

- University Collaborations: Initiating successful University Summer Program Partnerships, including a notable collaboration with Rutgers University IDEA program.

- International Sensor Deployments: Deploying five Frog sensors in partnership with scientific research programs in the USA and Switzerland, advancing data analysis for climate policies.





Scaling Impact Through Sensor Kits

Ribbit Network's vision extends beyond achievements; they aspire to scale their impact by offering sensor kits for sale to the public. This step aims to:


- Surpass the 1000-sensor milestone.

- Establish a recurring revenue model to provide kits for educators and citizen scientists.



Supporting Climate Innovation Matters

At 1000 Gretas, we believe in supporting organizations like Ribbit Network, driving innovation in climate observation. Our $5,000 grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering accessible and inclusive climate solutions. To keep up on Ribbit Networks journey, sign up for their newsletter here!


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