Shining a Light on Turning Discards
Into Dreams
The Issue
The issue is something called "Product Destruction", where companies will destroy perfectly good surplus products to protect their bottom line. We also address the issue of "waste colonialism", where the Western World treats Least Developed Countries like their personal dump, sending their trash to them without their consent.
Our Mission
At Shine International, we’re all about reducing waste and helping communities in need by finding new homes for products that would otherwise end up in landfills. Our focus is on electronics and fashion. We shine a light on nonprofits doing this work on the ground by promoting them on social media and in our annual charity galas, we recognize those doing exceptional work in this area. We also shine a light on legislation that bans “product destruction” and addresses “waste colonialism”.
Keeping usable tech out of landfills and into the hands of communities
Turning excess fashion into impact, not pollution
We connect with companies and nonprofits to make it a reality.
Best Buy has donated $350,000 worth of electronics to Soochnapreneur who has trained 25,000 women under their program, further empowering around
5 million women
Apple has provided
laptops to Close the Gap who distributes and teaches people in LDCs technical literacy and entrepreneurship.
500,000
500K tons of greenhouse gases emissions prevented
50 million tons of materials have been diverted from landfills
450 million of lives have been enriched, receiving products
Companies on Board
Companies we are Currently Petitioning
Partner with Us
Nonprofits
Partner with us to receive electronics and fashion for your efforts and cause. We also help promote your nonprofit on social media and our news section so you can gain awareness, volunteers, and donations!
Companies
Contact us if your company wants to divert your excess product. We can provide guidance on managing overstock, returned items, or refurbished products while saving up to 60% on waste management bills. We help turn your sustainability efforts into a powerful narrative that resonates with your customers and community.
Influencers
Let us know if you’re an influencer who wants to help make a difference in the world. We would love to have you help promote the charity gala and nonprofits in general all year round. In exchange, you would receive an invitation to a gala (your choice of location) and discounted ticket for a plus 1/plus 2.
Get Involved
Volunteer
Donate
Join us for a night of dancing under the stars and meals prepared by Michelin star chefs where we celebrate those making a difference in the world. Featuring world renowned musical performances and an auction after dinner and awards presented recognizing companies and nonprofits.
Click on a location for more details.
A limited edition print of 125 of Egon Shiele's Madchen.(Girl.),1918
Michelin Chef
Vicky Lau
Music By
Diplo
A Second Edition Alice In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Donated Auction Items to Date
A Hublot Classic Fusion Original Black Magic 42MM watch
Design the Future. Eliminate Waste.
Shine International’s Zero Waste Design Challenge invites university design students to create innovative solutions for reducing waste in fashion and electronics. Showcase your creativity, gain global exposure, and make a real impact in
the fight against the waste crisis. Join us and help shape a waste-free, sustainable future!
Your Mission:
Design a zero waste product or system that helps minimize material waste, promotes sustainability, and addresses the environmental impacts of overproduction and disposal.
-
Focus on fashion or electronics—two of the biggest culprits in global waste creation.
-
Think about reducing waste at every stage of the product lifecycle: production, consumption, and end-of-life.
-
Explore how products can be designed for longevity, repairability, and recyclability—keeping them out of landfills and giving them a second life.
Prizes
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be granted in each region around the world.
-
Receive a trophy award presented at our Charity Gala
-
Receive a certificate of achievement
-
Cash prizes: 1st place $5,000 / 2nd place $2,500 / 3rd place $1,000
-
Business Development Coaching available if you would like to scale your design idea into a viable business model
-
A feature in Shine International digital channels
-
If the design addresses fashion, a feature in The Business of Fashion (BoF)--Sustainability section
-
If the design is an electronic, a feature in TechCrunch and Wired magazines
Submission Requirements
Open to all university students worldwide
Submission Deadline: February 25, 2026
How to Submit - click on the button and submit your designs in our online portal.
The
Collab
shine ai glasses
Shine AI Glasses — a perfect blend of smart tech and sustainability! In partnership with Apple, Shine International, and Parley for the Oceans, these glasses are made from recycled ocean plastic and powered by solar energy. Featuring cutting-edge AI, enjoy seamless Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, all while reducing your carbon footprint. The USB-C charging case keeps your glasses ready for any adventure.
Innovative, chic, and planet-friendly eyewear designed for the future.
News
Testimonials
“I support Shine International and those affiliated because the world is finite and fragile. I can't believe all the good, usable products companies will throw away just to protect their bottom line when there are billions of people in need. Being a part of this privileged society, I feel that we need to learn to be more generous and lift up those in need.”
Jacqueline Summers
“I want to contribute to making the world go around in a positive way, so I do my best to recycle, reuse, and reduce my consumption, but after watching 'Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy', it seems that this issue is a bigger problem that I can't solve on my own by trying to recycle, so I'm so glad there are nonprofits like Shine International working to change the status quo.”
Penelope Desiree
“I'm someone concerned with climate change, so I'm happy to donate to efforts of reducing greenhouse gases that also helps people in need, and prevents good products from going to waste
James Martin
