“Is this really an eco-bag made from scraps of fabric?”
“Making shoe insoles out of old tires... I guess I won’t be slipping!”
“I thought it was just a mood lamp shaped like a wine bottle, but it turns out they actually recycled real wine bottles, didn’t they?”
Recently, we’ve seen a surge in recycled and eco-friendly products around us, and the number of such eco-friendly crowdfunding projects on Wadiz has also increased significantly compared to the past. However, unless you pay attention to them, these eco-friendly initiatives can still feel like a distant concept.
If you still feel unfamiliar with activities related to the environment, sustainability, or the planet, or if these changes haven’t quite hit home yet, why not join us today by taking a look at the statistics we’ve shared?
Back in 2014, when Wadizofficially launched with a bang to address the “imbalance of information and capital,” there wasn’t the same high demand for funding eco-friendly products—such as vegan, upcycled, and additive-free items—that we see today. Between 2014 and 2015, only about 50 eco-friendly crowdfunding projects were launched, and the total funding raised didn’t even reach 100 million won.
But now, in 2021, what changes have taken place?
63억
Seven years and eight months later, the number of eco-friendly projects launched Wadiz has increased 38-fold compared to 2014, and the total funding amounthas reached a staggering 6.3 billion won. This isn’t just a matter of numbers; it reflects a massive surge in interest from both the makers who launched these projects with a focus on sustainability and the supporters who backed them.
What could you do with 6.3 billion won? That’s enough to plant 63,000 precious trees thathelp protect our natural environment. A single tree absorbs the equivalent of one cup of espresso (35.7g) of fine dust annually and releases 1.8 tons of oxygen.
In particular, approximately 4.5 billion won in fundingwas raised over the roughly two-year period from 2020 to August 2021, which is a sign that interest in and action toward environmental issues are growing rapidly as time goes on.
Wadiz Eco-Friendly Funding Amounts on the Rise
110,000 people
In fact, while veganism, upcycling, recycling, organic products, and additive-free products are all slightly different, they’re all ways of caring for the planet. These initiatives have taken various forms as funding projects on Wadiz, and a whopping 110,000 people have participated!
Among these, there is one project that has resonated deeply with many supporters over the past eight years. It is the “Moshu Straw Tumbler,” made from eco-friendly, infinitely reusable silicone. This year alone, 8,000 supporters participated in the crowdfunding campaign, raising a staggering 500 million won! With its eco-friendly materials and excellent heat retention and cooling capabilities, it was a reward product that allowed people to make a positive contribution to the environment.
In addition, Bella C&C’s “Vegan Water Essence” achieved the remarkable feat of raising a cumulative total of 300 million won from 6,700 supporters. With eco-friendly, healthy ingredients like Hawaiian deep-sea water and agave fruit, along with a refreshing texture, it has garnered a loyal following. Additionally, reward products like the RE-pad—which allows users to neatly recycle scrap paper instead of throwing it away—were a fresh idea that won the hearts of approximately 3,000 supporters.
Left: ‘Vegan Water Essence’ / Right: ‘Moshu Straw Tumbler’
835개
This brings the total number of eco-friendly crowdfunding projects Wadiz to 835. Which category accounted for the largest share? It was the “Fashion/Miscellaneous Goods” category, which made up 36% of the total. In addition to existing products, many new items have emerged—such as umbrellas made from recycled plastic that incorporate innovative ideas and environmental considerations, hiking gear made from recycled fabrics, and eco-bags crafted from fabric scraps.
Left: A "cooler bag" made from recycled plastic / Right: "Proof" sunglasses made from wood
Since the pandemic, interest in health has also grown. With the surge in concerns about the environment and health, the share of beauty products—such as lip balms and essences made from plant-based ingredients—has increased to 15.8%.
Other categories included home and living (14.1%), food (12.7%), design accessories (7.8%), and pet supplies (5.1%), where we found a variety of unique, eco-friendly crowdfunding products.
Top left: “Legnet Upside-Down Umbrella” made from recycled plastic / Top right: “re-pad” board made from recycled paper / Bottom left: “Ponypani” cat house made from natural eco-board / Bottom right: “MOGAJI” eco-bag made from fabric scraps
Don’t you feel a sense of pride knowing that simply by backing a reward product you needed, you were playing a vital role in creating a greener planet?
I believe today’s number isn’t just a milestone to celebrate—it’s a new beginning as we move toward a greater goal. If we take a small interest in these precious eco-friendly activities to protect the Earth and keep moving forward step by step, won’t 6.3 billion eventually grow to 10 billion, then 100 billion, and 110,000 eventually grow to 500,000, then 1 million?
Small but meaningful habits to protect the Earth through Wadiz! Let’s keep doing this together until the power of these habits grows into a lush forest!
