M/CE-R01 Methodology for Encouraging Plastic Recycling

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  Policy comparison

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  Policy Workflow

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Inspiration

Plastic waste poses a pressing global challenge, with vast amounts accumulating in landfills and ecosystems. The M/CE-R01 Circular Economy Methodology for Encouraging Plastic Recycling aims to address this issue by empowering and formalizing plastic recycling projects, particularly within the informal sector, to align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and foster a transition towards a circular economy (CE). By introducing circular plastic credits (CPCs) as incentives for responsible manufacturers, this framework seeks to incentivize investment in plastic recycling initiatives and drive systemic change in plastic usage and disposal practices.

What it does

Implemented effectively, this methodology holds the potential to not only mitigate environmental impacts but also empower communities involved in plastic recycling and provide transparent, verifiable data for informed decision-making. By catalyzing the adoption of sustainable practices and fostering collaboration across sectors, it offers a pathway towards a more sustainable and circular plastic economy.

How we built it

We leveraged Envision Blockchain's Managed Guardian Service to build a digital policy for the M/CE-R01 Circular Economy Methodology for Encouraging Plastic Recycling. Through the platform, I created Roles for participants in the Circular Economy Project (VVB, PCEM, and Standard Registry). Then I created the necessary tokens, and schemas from the methodology, and implemented a policy using the policy configurator.

Challenges we ran into

• After much trouble, I was able to set up Hedera Guardian locally, but couldn't work with it as I kept running into errors, even while using a provisioned instance on Github codespace and Gitpod
• I later opted for the Managed Guardian Service which enabled me to make significant progress in building out the project. But at the end, I ran into an issue I couldn't fix (500 internal server error : cannot resolve an ipfs address) and the ipfs address wasn't in my form fields while creating a project proponent. I reported this in the Discord channel.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• We have been able to implement the needed schemas for the Cercarbono VPCE Project Description template and the VVB Registration Template
• Conversion of the Methodology (Word document) into a Digital Policy on the Hedera Guardian
• Creation of the Circular Plastic Credits (CPCs) to be issued to Projects on Circular Economy Material (PCEMs) as incentives.

What we learned

As I am new to the world of climate change and sustainability, I learned a lot about the field and how Hedera is building a sustainable future for everyone. I learned how to leverage Hedera Guardian and the Managed Guardian Service by Envision Blockchain for digital monitoring, reporting and verification of data as well as audibility and transparency of ESG reporting.

What's next for M/CE-R01 Methodology for Encouraging Plastic Recycling

• Expansion of the methodology to cater for other circular economy activities and materials other than plastics so Circular Economy Credits (CEC) can be issued
• Integration of the Cercarbono SDG Tool into the Guardian
• Autocompletion of GHG Emissions calculations, Baseline scenario quantification, Project Scenario Quantification, and Net Plastic Recycled calculation in the Guardian.

Built With

• guardian
• hedera
• mgs