The Gold Green Grant

Lauren Choi – The New Norm

Lauren founded The New Norm when she realized there needed to be a drastic change in the way we recycle plastic. The New Norm specifically targets plastics that are not commonly recycled in our existing infrastructure and transforms them into sustainable yarn, fabric, and apparel via 3D knitting. The New Norm sources materials certified by Global Recycled Standard & Zero Plastic Oceans and uses zero water in their manufacturing processes.

Nadya Okamoto – August

Nadya is the cofounder of August, a lifestyle period brand on a mission to eliminate period stigma and make more sustainable and comfortable tampons and pads. They produce plastic-free, biodegradable pads and certified 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral, and 100% net plastic recycled.

Pauline Ang & Olivia Chen – Twrl Milk Tea

Pauline and Olivia share a passion for food, healthy lifestyles, and environmental sustainability. Twrl Milk Tea is committed to a smaller environmental footprint by supporting multi-generational farmers and regenerative farming with the intent to reduce the usage of natural resources and energy.

Michelle Hanabusa – UPRISERS®

Michelle is the founder & designer of LA-based streetwear brand UPRISERS®. Behind every design, the women-led brand is dedicated to the discovery of untold stories and sharing its community’s values through thoughtful campaigns, product design, and upcycled materials.

Raina Kumra – Spicewell

Raina is the founder of Spicewell, a food as medicine startup. Spicewell is not just a food company, but rather a movement to take on Big Food and demand “better for us and the earth” products. Since day one, Spicewell has been carbon neutral, and their packaging 99% plastic free.

Kimberlie Le – Prime Roots

Driven by a love of diverse food culture and sustainability, Kimberlie, a chef's daughter with a passion for fermentation, founded Prime Roots, which creates plant-based deli meat that satisfies meat cravings in a clean, wholesome, sustainable way. In addition to their products, Prime Roots sources green energy for production and is a certified B Corporation.

Kai Lim – Reprise

Kai is a Singaporean founder who ventured to New York to build Reprise Health, a brand inspired by their grandmother. Reprise's mission is to preserve the ancient practice around Traditional Eastern Herbs and make them accessible to millions more. Reprise uses plastic pouch packaging to reduce 70% of its plastic impact and is moving to recycled + recyclable pouches in the near future.

David Phan – Huppy

David, the founder of Huppy, found his calling in sustainable oral care after a pivotal backpacking trip highlighted the environmental toll of toothpaste tubes. Huppy is on a mission to prove that smiles are better off without plastic, cruelty, and toxic ingredients.

Denise Woodard – Partake

Denise is the founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. At Partake, they are committed to creating opportunities to partake in the joy of great food - without pretense, limitations or restrictions. Partake is a certified B Corporation committed to utilizing Fair Trade ingredients and working with sustainable farmers.

Phoebe Yu – ettitude

Phoebe is the founder & CEO of ettitude, an award-winning material science and lifestyle company on a mission to create next-gen fabrics and products that reduce our impact and support personal health and the health of the planet. Ettitude is a member of the 1% For the Planet and is “Climate Neutral”.