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Overview

Imagine you are going to the store and you make some purchases. How much of that purchase will end up in a landfill? Did that product contain recyclable packaging? Now think about all of the waste you produce, food waste, product waste, textile waste… It can be overwhelming to think about. Do you know how much waste you produce in one day, one month, one year? Is it more or less than what you were expecting? How can you reduce that consumption and encourage others to consume less?

In this challenge, you will be designing a comprehensive solution to waste management at a scale that makes a measurable impact. It’s not only us as individuals who waste and contribute to unmanageable waste sites but large companies and corporations too. In this challenge we will explore how we can make small and large changes that lead us all to a more mindful and resourceful future.

Challenge

Design a solution to reduce waste generation by encouraging long-term product use and shifting away from the “use-and-dispose” culture.

You will design an end-to-end/overall solution that takes into account product design, business model, and societal behavioral and mindset reset needed to make changes possible.

Your solution should focus on one specific product category, such as electronics, clothing, food containers, household items, and more.

When designing your solution, think about the following:

• Durable Product Design: How can products be made more durable and repairable to ensure long-term use?
• Behavioral Change: What educational or incentive-based approaches could encourage people to adopt waste prevention habits?
• Sharing Economy: Could a platform be created to facilitate product sharing, renting, or second-hand exchanges within a community?
• Repair and Maintenance: How can repair services be made more accessible and affordable to extend product life?
• Data Tracking: How can technology monitor product usage and encourage responsible disposal only when necessary?
• Business Model: How can sustainable practices be integrated into profitable business models that encourage long-term product use and reduce waste?

Whenever possible, consider whether your product can be upcycled and have a second life.

See the challenge course syllabus.

Success Evaluation Criteria

Solutions will be judged based on the following criteria:

• Innovation and Design Thinking: Is the design and approach unique and/or innovative? Does the design show a high degree of originality and imagination?
• Scientific Quality: Are the appropriate references and analytical methods used and are the insights derived correctly?
• Presentation Quality: Is this concept concisely and clearly explained? Are the findings/recommendations communicated clearly and persuasively?
• Commercial Viability/Potential: Does the solution have the potential to make a difference?
• Sustainability: What is the social impact on local communities? How does the solution incorporate positive environmental or social objectives? Is the solution in line with a sustainable or justice focused future?
• Teamwork and collaboration: Was the experience a collaborative endeavor? Was the knowledge gained from the experience reflected upon and tied back to a civic engagement mindset? (From Personal Reflections)

See the challenge rubric.

Winners

The winning team, The Last Strand – Upcycling, had a creative and innovative approach of designing a solution to reduce waste generation by encouraging long-term product use and shifting away from the “use-and-dispose” culture.

Team members:

• Vedeesh B. (Team Lead) (India)
• Livia G. (Sweden)
• Muhammad Q. (New Jersey, United States)
• Syed R. (Florida, United States)

Mentor: Christine Yu (Hong Kong)

Sponsor