Proposal
Social problem:
According to the statistics of Food beverage Insiders, In 2011-2014, 63% of youth and 49% of adults in the United States drank an Sugar-Sweetened Beverages on a given day, consuming an average of 143 and 145 calories from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages, respectively1. Sugar-Sweetened Beveragesconsumption varies by age, sex, race/ethnicity, geography, and socioeconomic status1. American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that Frequently consuming Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is associated with various health risks, including weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney diseases, non-alcoholic liver disease, tooth decay, and gout1.
Excess consumption of added sugars, especially from sugary drinks, contributes to the high prevalence of childhood and adolescent obesity, especially among children and adolescents who are socioeconomically vulnerable. It also increases the risk for dental decay, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver disease, and all-cause mortality.
This issue is further exacerbated by the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages to children, which increases their preference for these products.
VHERBS aims to address these social issues by providing a sustainable alternative through herbal tea manufacturing.
The second issue V-HERBS target is Unsustainable farming practice and impoverished livelihood:
According to government statistics, In Hoang Su Phi district, Ha Giang province, there are 500 hectares of ancient tea trees on the high mountain of 1300 – 1900 meters. However, the traditional, unregulated harvesting of Snow Shan leaves has been harmful both ecologically and economically. The rare Snow Shan trees, scattered across the region, are often harvested without proper regulation or supervision, leading to ecological harm and wasted resources. Additionally, the impoverished livelihoods of minority groups living in the region depend heavily on harvesting these tea leaves.
VHERBS has identified this unsustainable farming practice and impoverished livelihood as significant social concerns. As a solution, VHERBS aims to become a leading company in the herbal tea manufacturing industry, focusing on ecological and environmentally friendly production. By providing healthy tea products made from sustainable processes, VHERBS aims to conserve the natural ecosystem and support the livelihoods of local residents
Solution:
VHERBS aims to address the root causes of Sugar-Sweetened Beverage (SSB) consumption and the associated social issues by offering a comprehensive social solution design centered around sustainable herbal tea production
By promoting sustainable harvesting practices and conserving the natural ecosystem, VHERBS contributes to environmental conservation efforts. By preserving the rare Snow Shan trees and protecting the biodiversity of the region, V-HERBS helps to maintain the ecological balance and ensure the long-term sustainability of the local ecosystem