In the News – 2009

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005

Indonesia Wastes Nothing, Goes Green

Elliott School alumna Risa Bhinekawati is one of 12 finalists in the BBC's World Challenge 2009, a competition seeking innovative programs to address international issues at a local level. The Danamon Go Green project, designed for Bhinekawati's home country of Indonesia, identifies ways to convert traditional market waste into compost — an endeavor that not only decreases the spread of disease in Jakarta markets but also revitalizes depleted soil in the area.

After receiving her Master's of International Policy and Practice (MIPP) degree from the Elliott School in 2006, Bhinekawati founded the Danamon Peduli Foundation, a non-governmental organization that encourages the development of sustainable, grass roots programs in Indonesia. Bhinekawati credits her experience at GW as a major influence in her work with Danamon Peduli, explaining that, "The Elliott School is the place where I learned to understand the phrase 'think globally, act locally.'" For Bhinekawati, "a greener Indonesia means a greener Earth."

Now in its fifth year, World Challenge 09 is a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at a grass roots level. World Challenge 09 is brought to you by BBC World News and Newsweek, in association with Shell, and is about championing and rewarding projects and business which really make a difference. To vote for Danamon Go Green or to see a video about the project, visit the World Challenge 09 finalists page. The winner and two finalists will be profiled on BBC World News in six 30-minute programs, featured in six advertorials in Newsweek magazine, and each receive a grant. Voting ends Nov. 13, 2009.