Inspiration
The creation of GoGreen 365 was born out of a deep-seated passion for the environment and a desire to make a tangible impact on the urgent issue of climate change. We were inspired by the pressing need to cultivate greater environmental awareness among Singaporeans and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in their daily lives.
As we witnessed the growing global environmental challenges and the escalating threat of climate change, we recognized that individual actions could play a significant role in combating these issues, and that every person has the power and responsibility to make a difference, to preserve our planet for future generations.
GoGreen 365 emerged from the notion that sustainability is not just a one-time effort but a continuous commitment. We wanted to create an app that would empower individuals to take proactive steps towards reducing their environmental footprint every single day of the year. Thus, GoGreen 365 was born, with "365" representing the number of days in a year and a reminder that each day presents an opportunity for positive change.
What it does
GoGreen 365 allows users to filter and engage in activities that interest them, earning points in the process. To authenticate the points earned, participating vendors such as restaurants, exhibitions, and recycling machines will issue a GreenID which users can key into their profile to earn points. By accumulating points through these activities, users can redeem rewards such as gifts and vouchers. This incentivizes users to participate in eco-friendly actions, contributing to a sustainable lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of their efforts.
How we built it
We built GoGreen 365 with the following technologies and tools:
Frontend: The frontend of our application was developed using the create-react-app command, which provides a starter code for building React applications. We utilised React as our JavaScript library for building the user interface, and CSS Bootstrap to enhance the design and ensure responsive layouts.
Backend: For the backend, we used ExpressJS, a popular web framework for Node.js, to handle server-side logic and API development.
Database: Our application relies on a MongoDB database for storing and managing unstructured data, as our mock dataset consists of different types of records (educational, dining and recycling) with varying properties. To interact with MongoDB, we utilised Mongoose, an Object-Data Modeling (ODM) library for Node.js, which simplifies the process of working with MongoDB and provides useful features like schema validation and query building.
By combining these technologies and tools, we were able to create a full-stack application with a dynamic frontend built with React, a powerful backend built with ExpressJS, and a persistent database powered by MongoDB and Mongoose.
Challenges we ran into
One of the challenges we faced during development was the inability to implement a map feature to filter activities. We understand that having a map would enhance user convenience and provide a visual representation of sustainable options near them. However, due to tight time constraints, we encountered difficulties in implementing the Google Maps API integration given that many Google Maps libraries for React were poorly maintained and features such as markers and user live location proved to be difficult to implement.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We have implemented a dynamic point based reward system in our website that proactively motivates users to engage in environmentally friendly actions. With this system in place, users are not only empowered to make a positive impact on the environment but are also rewarded for their efforts.
Our point-based reward system goes beyond traditional approaches by providing users with real-time feedback and recognition for their sustainable actions. Each time a user completes a green activity, they receive points that will be quickly updated in the portal, reinforcing their commitment and encouraging further engagement. Points accumulated by completing green activities (such as recycling, eating at green eateries, and participating in green exhibits) can then be redeemed for various incentives and rewards.
As our user base grows, the collective impact of our community's green actions will become more tangible. Harnessing the power of technology and gamification, we are creating a virtuous cycle where every user's minute contribution combines to form a larger movement towards a more sustainable world.
Lastly, we are revolutionising convenience by creating a seamless and enhanced user experience through our all-in-one platform. By integrating various green activities into a single solution, we are streamlining processes and eliminating the need for users to switch between different websites or platforms.
Together, let's embark on this journey towards a greener future and make a difference, one point at a time.
What we learned
Working on a project focused on promoting sustainable practices deepened our understanding of environmental issues. We have developed a stronger personal commitment to making eco-friendly choices and reducing our environmental footprint.
Developing and implementing a point-based reward system requires innovative thinking and creative problem-solving. We honed our critical thinking skills in finding unique ways to incentivise sustainable actions, fostering our ability to think outside the box and come up with novel solutions.
Working on this platform involves teamwork whereby each person focuses on different aspects of the platform, such as web development, user experience design, and backend. This experience enhanced our ability to work in cross-functional teams, communicate effectively, and collectively drive a shared vision forward.
What's next for [Armchair coders] GoGreen 365
As we continue to envision the future development of GoGreen 365, we're planning several exciting enhancements to make our platform even more engaging and impactful.
Visual Map Integration: We aim to incorporate a visual map feature into our website. This enhancement will enable users to easily identify eco-relevant locations in their immediate vicinity, fostering local sustainability efforts and enhancing the user experience.
NGO Interface: We're considering the introduction of a dedicated interface for NGOs. This will allow these organizations to highlight limited-time exhibits and manage post-system collection more effectively. This facilitates collaboration between GoGreen 365 and other environmental groups, expanding our impact.
Exclusive Content and Incentives: We plan to offer exclusive content from eateries and exhibits, providing incentives like discount coupons for sustainable dining establishments and special rewards from sustainability-focused exhibits. These initiatives aim to drive increased traffic to both our platform and these establishments, creating a symbiotic relationship.
Doorstep Collection Interface: We aim to streamline the collection of recyclables, including unwanted clothes and items, by introducing an interface that enables collections right at our users' doorsteps. This removes the need for users to physically travel to recycling points or machines, making recycling more convenient and increasing participation.
Friendly Challenges and Leaderboards: In order to foster a sense of community and friendly competition, we're looking at implementing challenges and leaderboards. This feature would allow users to compare their progress and compete with friends, encouraging a supportive community that motivates each other to make a positive environmental impact.
We believe these planned enhancements will not only improve the user experience on GoGreen 365 but also drive greater commitment to sustainable practices, making a significant contribution to our environmental mission.
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