(An aquatic weed in 52 nations that can feed, clothe, house, and heal…the world.)
Ultimate Earth, Inc. recognizes that agriculture plays an important role in economic growth. Higher rates of growth in agricultural productivity would promote broad-based economic growth, reduce rural poverty, and conserve natural resources. The water hyacinth is more than an agricultural product; it is also a naturally renewable resource and an efficient source for organic feeds, fertilizers, fiber, and non-toxic insecticide. Paper pulp from the water hyacinth shows that not another tree has to be cut down for paper.
Proven Products from the Water Hyacinth
(1) Organic Soil Builders and Mulch; (2) Organic Animal Feed; (3) Non-toxic Insect Repellant for Humans; (4) Organic Animal and Plant Insecticides and Repellant;
(5) Environmental Restoration; (6) Energy and Fuel Co-generation; (7) Particle Board;
(8) Currency-Grade Paper Pulp; (9) Textiles and Fibers; (10) Processed Human Foods;
(11) Processed Vitamins and Protein Additives; (12) Non-toxic Human Food Preservatives;
(12) Pharmaceuticals; (13) Nutriceuticals; (14) Cosmetics; (15) Furniture.
Using the water hyacinth as a raw material in production will cost less than other raw material currently used to create the same products. The same properties that make the WH a curse can make it a blessing. Due to its ability to absorb pollutants, it can be used in a filtration system to generate drinkable water. Because every portion of the plant can be used for another purpose or product, waste disposal is no longer an issue. Because the plant can renew itself so quickly, it becomes an almost never ending renewable source of raw materials.
Raw materials for animal feed, fertilizer, protein and beta-carotene (Vitamin A), are expensive and/or hard to come by. The Water Hyacinth can easily and less expensively be used to produce these materials. The Water Hyacinth protein extract (45% average) and its amino acid composition compare with that of soybean and cottonseed. A protein deficient diet could be enriched by eight essential amino acids – lysine, threonine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, valine, and arginine – by the simple addition of Water Hyacinth protein. These vitamins and minerals have been validated in studies done by the FAO and NASA. . It is feasible that the extraction of these vitamins, minerals, and proteins could alleviate the suffering of undernourished people in Asia, Africa, and Latin America and finally end chronic persistent hunger.
The candidates for the first phases of Water Hyacinth based products are:
• Removal and Disposal Service
• Organic Mulch, Soil Builders, and Fertilizer (with a complete range of vitamins and minerals).
• Organic Animal Feed (With a complete range of vitamins and minerals).
• Non-toxic and Organic (plant and animal) Insecticides and Repellants.
• Environmental Restoration
Benefits to the Local Economy:
Initial Investment…$5-Million (Pilot Project); $20-Million (Initial Production, 3-5 Products); Full Production Facility: $120-Million.
Jobs Created: 1st Year, approximately 100; Second Year, 250-500; Third Year, 500-1000. (These numbers do not include ancillary jobs created within support organizations due to the development of this new industry.)
Average wages: $10-15/hour, which includes benefits.
Benefits: Life and Health Insurance; Workman’s Comp; Paid Vacation, Profit Sharing.
Ultimate Earth, Inc. (EUI) will provide Program Management to ensure the development of the Water Hyacinth Program in a way that is safe, productive, and within schedule, budget/cost and functionality constraints. Daily operational decisions and responsibilities will be under the direction of a Florida Staff in consultation with a members of EUI. The staffing level of each site will be dependent on the product being manufactured.
EUI will Investigate, Design, Develop, Document, and Protect Products and Processes.
EUI will use local facilities where applicable (fishmeal and sugarcane facilities), but rely on modular, portable processing systems built in the needed locations. The initial, cottage industry approach will require little in the way of additional resources, but expansion will require additional buildings, infrastructure and network with other village based industry sites. Immediate connection with a laboratory, that can be accredited, will be needed to determine safety, chemical composition and analysis of plant materials.
When all initial building projects are complete, the local operation will be in the control of the Staff from the state’s location. In order for the Project to have the desired positive impact, management and employees of the processing plants and cottage industries developed must act in accordance with the highest standards of equitable and ethical practice, the best business practices and exhibit an ongoing concern for the highest human rights applications.
CORPORATE STAFF: Michael Elley, Pres/CEO; Jeff Smith, Exec. VP.; Tholow Chan, VP/CFO; Elliot Eder, Outside Corp. Council; Craig Stevens, VP/COO; Phil Clifford, Ph.D., Chief of Research; Ron Brown, VP/Marketing; Galen LaBauve, VP/Operations; Jerry Rollins, VP/Sales; Terri McRae, NPO/CEO; Jeanette Schatz, Project Manager.