It’s great to see innovation that has the potential to make a real difference. We’re starting to see a plethora of new green gadgets but often the simplest ideas are the best.

Aiming to make things a fraction easier for homeless people in Canada—who face winter temperatures of as low as -30 degrees Celsius—Canadian ad agency TAXI developed the 15 Below Jacket, a garment that owes its insulating properties to old newspapers. Distributed to the homeless by the Salvation Army, the jacket’s durable, waterproof and wind-resistant case has internal pockets in the sleeves, body and hood for its owner to fill with newspaper. Readily available from recycling bins, bunched-up newspaper is an excellent insulating material.

The garment was named ‘15 Below’ to reference the Celsius mark at which a cold warning is issued, urging the homeless to get off the streets. It’s also a nod to the design competiton that produced it, which celebrates TAXI’s 15th birthday. Creative director Steve Mykolyn came up with the concept, winning the privilege of testing his prototype in a meat locker. Supervised by a paramedic, the design helped him survive eight hours in -28 degree conditions, after which 3,000 jackets went into production (in December 2007).

When stuffed, the jacket—created by Canadian designer Lida Baday—looks like a garment anybody could wear, avoiding stigmatization of its wearers. In the summer months it can be emptied and used as a raincoat, folded up into a backpack to be transported, or filled and used as a pillow. An altruistic project that rubs off very well on all involved, sponsors are currently being sought to fund distribution in other countries.

It was really refreshing to see the entries arriving in for this years Green Awards. One of the exciting aspects of Climate Change if I can be positive about such a negative is the opportunities for brands to innovate in their product ranges and for new companies to emerge with niche offerings that might become fairly mainstream in time.

The funniest entry for me this year which is one that actually didn’t make it in time for the deadline but is still worthy of mention - the Skooperbox. The Skooperbox Dog ‘Scoop’ Box is an alternative to plastic bags for all you Dog owners. Made of 100% recycled paper which is 100% biodegradable it demonstrates that companies have real opportunities to review every aspect of our busy lives to find truly alternative ways to make a difference.