Our Very Own Ocean Heroes! SEEDS Biz Highlight - Guarda Costas
By Angie Gomez
The world’s oceans are subjected to our actions as a collective. Most of marine pollution comes from human activities, whether it be from the coastlines or even farther inland. The reality is, human affairs have consequences on our environment, and its effects are a phenomenon that we live and see every day. To combat this crisis and get back on the right track, a young business from the 2021 SEEDS Program has made it their mission to create awareness and protect the coasts right here in Puerto Rico.
Meet Guarda Costas, a SEEDS Biz created by Yan Omar Cruz Burgos, Jyann M. López Ortiz & Adrian E. Padilla Burgos that makes different ocean themed products!
Not only do they craft beautiful necklaces, keychains and wall hangings, but they also make impressive woodwork! On their Facebook, Guarda Costas share important information and events related to protecting and preserving our coastal environments.
Recently, the Luis Miranda Casañas Foundation reached out to Friends of Puerto Rico with a desire to support Guarda Costas via donation. José Gabriel Morales, Executive Director, commented that the foundation was motivated by the SEEDS program because they “understand that maximizing the opportunities of those who are assuming the role of entrepreneurship is a shared responsibility.”
The LMC Foundation took a particular interest in Guarda Costas due to their shared mission to protect nature and reduce our ecological footprint. They are particularly enthusiastic about the young entrepreneurs' commitment to Puerto Rico’s coasts.
Morales added that the LMC Foundation believes that “children should be validated, integrated and be a core part of the proposals that are taking place throughout the country.” This incredible support has been a source of inspiration and motivation to continue providing tools and a platform for SEEDS alumni and future students!
To learn more about SEEDS, visit www.friendsofpuertorico.org/seeds!
SEEDS Biz for World Environment Day!
By Angie Gomez
Protecting the environment is pivotal for everything that we do and anything that we hope to achieve. Earth is our only home, and we must take care of it so that it can continue to take care of us!
Café Ama prides itself in sharing delicious Puerto Rican coffee with ethically sourced beans from local farmers. The goal is to produce with conservation in mind, as well as supporting the local economy. This mindset is part of what drives the SEEDS Program and motivates our scholars.
Several of our SEEDS Biz were created with conservation in mind. To celebrate this year’s World Environment Day, we want to highlight two special businesses: New World and Guarda Costas. Recently, these young entrepreneurs shared their products at Mercado Ballajá in Old San Juan.
Marileen Vega, Keyvier Feliciano, Marielis Sneed & Julio A. García Ortiz joined forces to create New World. This young business, based in Guaynabo, produces hand-made items and accessories from recycled materials. With fun designs and innovative ideas, these students aim to reduce waste and influence others to do the same.
Over in Barranquitas, Yan O. Cruz Burgos, Jyann Michael & Adrian Padilla founded Guarda Costas. Inspired by their trips to the beach, the group creates ocean themed products to increase awareness. Through their business, they hope to motivate others to protect the coasts and sea life.
Seeing our SEEDS students so passionate about the environment is beyond inspiring. There is something we can all learn from them!
Visit https://www.friendsofpuertorico.org/seeds to read more about the SEEDS Program and how you can support it!