When we think of problem-solving, our minds may default to a mathematical equation on an old-school chalkboard. Or perhaps an object like the Rubik’s Cube, which captured hours of headspace in the ‘80s, as it acquired a cult-like following.
Though puzzles like these have definitive (and arguably, very satisfying) solutions that can be achieved in concrete ways, perhaps the most underrated method of problem-solving is by way of creativity.
In corporate settings, some are acknowledged for “thinking outside the box” to tackle business issues, but innovators in general are not always encouraged to be creative. On this World Creativity and Innovation Day, we hope that will soon change.
Step Out and Innovate
In 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted World Creativity and Innovation Day, to be observed annually on April 21st, and embrace the idea that innovation is vital to growing the economy of nations.
Conceptually, it can do this through job creation and expanded opportunities for everyone, including women and youth. Putting creativity and innovation to use also has the power to potentially solve global issues such as poverty and world hunger.
This year’s theme is “Step Out and Innovate”, so let’s explore some folks who are doing just that….
Climate Changemakers
One of the ways that creativity is essential to problem-solving is through the exploration of vital planetary issues. The following are those who are utilising innovative ways to solve climate challenges.
In Greece, the Just Go Zero project by Polygreen, using creative ways to re-frame lifestyle habits, made a commitment to make the Island of Tilos the first zero waste island on the planet—and it’s working. Being able to scale this in larger communities could have a massive positive effect on the planet and potentially help change the mindsets of millions.
In Uganda, where plastic pollution overwhelms the landscape and clean water access is difficult to obtain, local NGOs have spear-headed community initiatives to build water tanks from discarded plastic water bottles. Not only does this help keep pathways clear from waste, it provides a sustainable way to recycle plastic that’s often otherwise discarded (and yes, plastic waste can be transformed into a durable building material).*
In the U.S., a 7th grader named Rory Hu was concerned about the rapidly reducing bee population and how pesticides were impacting their survival. Using compounds found in tea, along with caffeine, she developed a way to repair the learning and memory of honeybees to combat the negative effects of pesticides. If applied on a global scale, this could ultimately revive the bee population, which is critical to maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Holistic Healers
Though modern medicine is advancing every day to offer cutting-edge treatments for humanity’s greatest ailments, there are alternate ways that people find comfort—all derived by someone who was inspired in a creative way to develop an unconventional treatment….
In the U.K., Deborah Alma created the Poetry Pharmacy to offer alternative treatments for those suffering from various mental health struggles. Through clever packaging via traditional pill bottles, “patients” can browse according to ailment for the perfect poetic prescription.
Worldwide, the progression of studies on sound frequency healing are showing promise. Scientists experimenting with the possibilities of alternate therapies have proven that DNA is impacted by music, and though the studies are in their infancy, there is great promise this area could be groundbreaking in cancer research and liver treatments.
Landfill Lighteners
A circular economy is good for everyone—both minimising waste and boosting our commerce. Here are a few innovators who have used creativity to promote upcycling in the best way….
In the U.K., the Loved Before toy adoption agency rescues stuffed animals from the rubbish bin, gives them “spa treatments” to sanitize them, then performs any stitching and repairs needed to prepare them for their new life. Each toy is packaged with a story about its history and then sent to department stores for “rehoming.”
In the U.S., an artist named Mikayla rescues hundreds of dishes from the landfills each month (through thrift shopping and donations) to upcycle and create one-of-a-kind mosaic kits and jewelry to sell in her Crystal Frequency shop. Even more admirable, she does not gatekeep her process, offering lessons to others to replicate her plan and create their own upcycled art.
Cultivate a Culture of Creativity
The inspiring examples we’ve shown above truly only scratch the surface of the world’s potential. To help cultivate a culture where creativity is not only accepted, but celebrated, we need to do our best to shift the collective thinking and provide evidence of its value to the greater good.
Advocacy
When cities and educational institutions are forced to make budget cuts, it’s often the art programs that are the first to go. Be sure that in your local community, you are lobbying for and electing leaders who value the arts and see the economical benefits to keeping those programs in tact.
Influence
If you discover a person or business making a difference using their creativity, use your voice to spread the word and help make their efforts successful. Leaving a positive review on a shop page or sharing a social media post can make a big difference in the life of a changemaker (especially for those under the radar, or just starting out).
Education
Many of the most exciting ideas come from kids. That’s why it’s more important than ever to provide opportunities for education. Who knows if that young girl in an underdeveloped nation is the one who will creatively cure cancer or develop an innovative invention to safely dissolve microplastics from our ocean?
Where there is opportunity there is hope for a better world for all of us….
“Mama” © 2018, by Julian Lennon is available for purchase at Artsy.
*Please note: The production of plastic does release dangerous microplastics into the atmosphere. We highlighted this solution because it is repurposing what has already been produced and is thus more useful to be repurposed in a new way vs. burned, polluting our ocean or collected in a landfill.
To become a member of The Muse, which is our TWFF monthly donor program that supports The Cynthia Lennon Scholarship for Girls, or make a one-time donation to that campaign, start here.
What a wonderful article. Those are some great ideas. I try to donate and recycle, rather than throw anything away, when I can. You all are totally right about the ideas coming from children. Some of these kids are just so smart.
Interesting and jnformative in a way most could understand, so I congratulate the founders and distributors of such information for saving our planet. Be the change others have been for us is not only a slogan, but an invitation to guide us further than ever before.