National Innovation Showcase

Innovations for Wellness and the Environment

Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) is pleased to recognize three innovators in the 2009-2010 Innovation Showcase! Congratulations to:

Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) held a nationwide search for new and innovative products and services to help create healthier school environments for students, staff, and faculty. The search focused specifically on two areas: the environmental impact of a school, and the way that a school supports healthy eating and physical activity for students.

Companies from all corners of the marketplace were invited to share their unique inventions and innovations that support HSC’s mission of making all schools healthier places to learn and work, through a focus on wellness or environmental health. The goal of the Innovation Showcase is to provide HSC’s extensive network of school stakeholders, parents and community members with up-to-date information on unique technologies, strategies, equipment and supplies that help create healthier school environments.

Activeion Pro is a hand-held spray bottle that converts tap water into a powerful cleaner and sanitizer.

This enables facility management teams to clean surfaces in schools without using chemicals. ActiveIon "gives true meaning to 'innovation,'" said showcase judge Joe Agron of American School & University. "It's especially applicable in the education environment -- a fascinating product." Learn more »

Canteen Waterwerkz vending delivers healthy chilled beverages in an environmentally friendly way using a machine that mixes water-based drinks in re-sealable pouches, chills and serves them in seconds.

It serves good-for-you drinks with less packaging and more energy efficiency than a conventional vending machine. "It's exciting to see a product design that takes into account both kids' health and the health of our environment" said showcase judge Mark Bishop of HSC.

Peaceful Playgrounds is a do-it-yourself kit that allows schools to transform their playground or schoolyard with colorful, active games.

The kit helps teachers create play environments that reduce bullying and injuries while increasing physical activity. Peaceful Playgrounds is "an excellent innovative idea on a number of levels," said showcase judge Jay Snyder of the Association of School Business Officials International. "It makes recess more of a learning and creative experience for the students. It's safe for the students and the environment. And it's easy to clean, which is very important to the custodians, directors of facilities, and to the school and school districts in general." Learn more »

The products spotlighted in the Innovation Showcase were selected by a judging panel with representatives of the Healthy Schools Campaign, American School & University and the Association of School Business Officials International. The judges selected products based on the creativity of the innovation and the potential positive impact.