Projects and Clients

Natural Innovation works in both a professional and voluntary capacity, some of the projects under way include:

Nature's Child

After consulting to this retailer of natural and organic baby and early childhood products, we decided to create a wholesale business in the same field. We are manufacturing organic cotton products in India, and personal care items in Australia, and importing or distributing a number of products for other companies. We launched at the Organic Expo in Sydney (July 2005), and are currently hiring a sales person. www.natureschild.com

Byron Sustainable Ventures Network

Bringing together a network of business people in the Byron Shire who are as passionate about the environment and their community as about being economically successful. We usually gather monthly at someone's house. www.naturalinnovation.org/byronsvn

Zelfo Australia

Following on from my interest in using renewable resources, I'm collaborating in a project looking to manufacture plant based plastics in Australia. I wrote their business plan, and assisted in securing funding. I'm on the board, and actively involved in supporting the CEO.www.zelfoaustralia.com

ReGenesis

Providing strategic consulting to assist in commercialising their research into bio-diverse organic farming. In particular putting together the financial models for each of their projects.www.regenesis.com.au

Gaia University

I'm on the advisory board for a new university, adopting a uniquely distributed approach to teaching sustainability. www.gaiauniversity.org

Institute for Global Communications

I'm on the board of IGC, which is the US partner in the Association for Progressive Communications, the international NGO (peak body as we call them in Australia) that I co-founded in 1989. Post Normal Times

I'm on the advisory board of the Post Normal Times, which focuses on science and in particular its misuse by politicians in times of high uncertainty - e.g. about the magnitude of global warming.

Social & Environmental Technologies business plan competition

Advisor to SET, who are trying to encourage matches between ideas people and business people to bring innovations with a strong social or environmental impact to market.

Previous Projects

Downshifting Downunder

Last year I worked with a small group of people including David Wyatt, and Clive Hamilton of the Australia Institute to catalyse a downshifting movement. We launched at a conference in July 2005. Downshifters make a significant voluntarily reduction in work, earnings, spending, consumption, and consequently their impact on the environment. Downshifting is typically undertaken by people to get back more time for themselves and their families. www.downshifting.net.au

Documentary on Forests and their Protectors

Advising and making connections for a film-maker working on a documentary about forests, the people who protected them, and how people live with them today.

Retail Green Products

I supported an entrepreneur with putting the plans together for a retail outlet for green building products. Support includes getting the financials together, contacts, etc

Papyrus - Banana Ply Paper

Payrus is taking an abundant waste product (Banana trees) and economically turning them into paper, using no water, no chemicals, and about 1% of the energy typically used. N.I. has formed the management team for Papyrus along with its founder, and the inventor of the process, Ramy Azer. Having assisted the company to clear up outstanding issues, and prepare a business plan, Papyrus raised $4m at a public offering. www.papyrusaustralia.com.au

More of Mitra's previous projects are here.