When brainstorming ideas for my final project at UW-Stout, I knew I wanted to do something that would help the greater good. Clean water and sanitation was a key issue that stuck out to me. Globally, almost 1.9 million children die each year from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe drinking water, inadequate sanitation facilities and poor hygiene each year. It is the second largest cause of child mortality accounting for 15 percent of child deaths globally. I came across a chlorine dispenser that had been installed in water well sites in developing countries. The idea behind this concept is that tiny dosages of chlorine mix with the water while it is being carried home from the water well site. The program would educate communities on proper sanitation and how to use the dispensers.

“Halfull” is what I decided to name of my non-profit organization. I liked the idea of “the glass being halfull” and that everyone deserved a clean glass of drinking water. From there, I wanted to give the non-profit a unique twist; the ability for people to donate points and or money that they earn through their everyday local recycling program. This was also appealing to me because the program continues to encourage the recycling of basic household items at home while providing people the ability to use these points to address and solve a global issue. Merchandise is sold online and the proceeds go to installing dispensers and educating communities. Halfull has everything from drinking glasses and water bottles, to t-shirts and pins. Social media outlets allow people to share their purchases and donations with friends. Getting people involved with a cause, telling them what they can do to help and keeping them updated on what we are working on is a great way to grow a small business. How do you look at the glass? A simple idea that can go a long way.

Merchandise (Dispenser, Pitcher, Water Bottles & Coaster, Glass Water Bottles and Drinking Glasses)