Lorna Rutto: Transforming Waste into Wealth

Early Life and Inspiration

Lorna Rutto 's journey began in the Kaptembwa Slums of Nakuru, Kenya, where she was born in 1984. Growing up amidst poverty, environmental degradation, and overflowing sewers, Lorna developed a keen awareness of the pressing need for waste management solutions. Her eco-consciousness emerged early, as she began recycling plastic waste into creative ornaments and jewelry, selling them to her schoolmates. This small initiative was a precursor to her future endeavors in environmental conservation.

Education and Career Shift

Lorna pursued a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting from African Nazarene University. Post-graduation, she secured a job in the banking sector, a stable career choice given Kenya's tough employment market. However, Lorna felt unfulfilled. She longed to work with people and in the field of science, rather than financial systems. This internal conflict led her to resign from her banking job in 2009 and take the entrepreneurial plunge.

Founding EcoPost

In 2009, Lorna co-founded EcoPost with Charles Kalama a biochemical engineering graduate. Their mission was to address Kenya's plastic waste problem by recycling it into eco-friendly fencing posts and construction materials. EcoPost's innovative approach provided a sustainable alternative to timber, helping to conserve forests and create jobs for marginalized communities.

Overcoming Challenges

Starting EcoPost was not without its challenges. Lorna faced significant financial hurdles, with limited capital to realize her vision. She overcame this by winning several awards and grants, including a $6,000 SEED Award and $12,700 from the Cartier Women's Initiative 's business plan competition. These funds were crucial in getting EcoPost off the ground. Lorna also encountered difficulties in a male-dominated business environment, where she struggled to be taken seriously. Despite these obstacles, her determination and innovative spirit propelled EcoPost to success.

Impact and Achievements

EcoPost Ltd has made significant strides in waste management and environmental conservation. The company has recycled over 13 million kilograms of plastic waste, preventing it from ending up in landfills or oceans. This initiative has saved approximately 4,500 acres of forests and mitigated over 160 million kilograms of CO2 emissions. EcoPost's social impact is equally impressive. The company has created over 300 direct jobs and 12,000 indirect income opportunities for marginalized communities. Lorna's efforts have been recognized globally, earning her numerous awards, including the Cartier Women's Initiative Award, SEED Award, and recognition as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Vision for the Future

Lorna's vision extends beyond Kenya. She aims to train over 50,000 people in sustainable waste management practices, save approximately 100 million trees, and prevent 500 million kilograms of CO2 emissions in the next five years. Her goal is to replicate EcoPost's model globally, addressing the plastic waste crisis and creating sustainable jobs worldwide.

Lorna's ability to turn challenges into opportunities, her commitment to environmental conservation, and her dedication to uplifting marginalized communities serve as an inspiration to all. In her own words, "My purpose in life is to do something about the poverty situation in our country and to conserve the environment." Lorna Rutto's journey is a powerful reminder that with passion and perseverance, it is possible to create a thriving business that positively impacts society and the environment.