A trembling start
Eddy Wijnker
In 2008, Eddy was working as a sound engineer in China when he came into contact with the mineral olivine:
"On May 12, China was hit by a severe, shallow earthquake, and I saw green-colored stones rolling down the hillside. Curious as I am, I picked up a few. My colleague told me it was the mineral olivine, which captures CO₂ when it comes into contact with rainwater." - Eddy Wijnker
From soundman to sandman
Back in the Netherlands, Eddy came into contact with Professor Olaf Schuiling, emeritus professor of geochemistry at the University of Utrecht and Delft. Olaf told Eddy everything about how the mineral works and why Olivine is the key to climate change.
"I trust science and my gut. And I was convinced. I used to be a hippie in the sound world who claimed to save the world. At the age of 60 I put my career in sound and decided to put my words to fulfill." - Eddie Winker
The origin of greenSand
Inspired by the natural simplicity with which the mineral olivine removes CO₂ and the increasing urgency of the climate problem, Eddy founded greenSand in 2009.
"The earth has the solution to the climate problem. We just need to give it more surface area together. With greenSand, I want to give everyone the opportunity to help the earth save itself. Together we will combat climate change" Eddy Wijnker
Hourglass logo
The hourglass signifies a ticking clock. Time is running out. The need for action becomes clearer every year. However, the realization that time is also running out is less strongly present.
"I used to attend elementary school 'De Zandloper' (The Hourglass). Thinking back to the past and the urgency of the climate problem, the hourglass was an ideal logo for greenSand." - Eddy Wijnker.
In memory of: Olaf Schuiling
Professor, doctor, geologist, researcher, and professor of geochemistry. How you know Olaf depends on where you met him. For us, Olaf will always be the spiritual father of olivine. Olaf was one of the first to recognize early on that olivine must play a key role in solving the climate problem.
This natural solution has been proven for billions of years. All we (humanity) have to do is give nature a helping hand.
Olaf dedicated a large part of his life to scientific research and gathering evidence for the application of olivine. In 2019, he compiled his knowledge and ideas in his highly practical book: Olivine, the Stone of Wonders.
"Let us help the earth to save the earth" - Olaf Schuiling
This is how you can help:
Clean up your own CO₂
Help the earth and create more surface. Discover all products and applications.
Contribute your bit/stones
We spread the greenSand Olivine for you. Together we can create more surface area.
Become a co-owner
Become part of the solution. From €15 you can become a co-owner of greenSand.