Plawnet

Sustainable Living, High Thinking

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Plawnet

Inspiration

Plawnet was inspired by the need for sustainable and responsible consumption and production. Many eco-friendly products are expensive, making it harder for people to make better choices. We wanted to create an affordable, accessible platform that encourages responsible consumption while supporting people with sustainable businesses.

🌍 What It Does

Plawnet is an e-commerce platform designed to make sustainable shopping affordable and accessible. It connects buyers and sellers of eco-friendly products at lower prices, promoting responsible consumption and reducing environmental waste while also focusing on sustainability and providing a side hustle business to people. Plawnet aligns with:

  • UNSDG Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities & Communities) – promoting eco-conscious urban living.
  • UNSDG Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) – reducing waste and encouraging ethical shopping.
  • UNSDG Goal 4 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)- helping people economically by providing side hustle

Key Features:

  • Buy & Sell Sustainable Products – Users can list and purchase verified eco-friendly items.
  • Home-consists of recently listed products -Collections- Consisting of all the collection, where users can filter and sort them according to the price.

🛠 How We Built It

  • Frontend: React.js for a dynamic and responsive UI and CSS for styling.
  • Backend: Node.js with Express.js for handling API requests.
  • Database: MongoDB for product listings and user data.

Challenges We Ran Into

-Tailwindcss: One of the main challenges we ran into was given by tailwindcss. We installed v4, however it sent error messages saying it is not compatible for react. Then, we downgraded it to v3, however there were still plugin and dependency errors. So, we discarded and leaned onto CSS.

  • Time Constraints: Developing a functional MVP within the hackathon timeframe.
  • User Experience Optimization: Making the marketplace intuitive, fast, and secure for all users.
    -1st Prototype:We were planning on Game Development, and even designed some characters and map. However, due to lack of time and skills for game development, we disregarded that idea, and leaned on WebApp. A lot of time was wasted on trying for game development.

Accomplishments That We're Proud Of

  • Successfully built a working webapp within the limited time.
    -Learned more about React framework, and worked calmly under time pressure.

What We Learned

  • The importance of user trust in sustainability claims.
  • How pricing strategies impact consumer behavior toward eco-friendly products.
  • The role of technology in driving sustainability through AI and data tracking.
  • Time management and teamwork in a high-pressure hackathon environment.
    -A lot of things about MERN.

What's Next for Plawnet

  • Admin Panel - Currently, only we are able to list items to the shop, so next it integrating admin panel so that sellers can signup and start selling their items.
  • Expand Product Verification – Integrate more APIs for sustainability claims.
  • Introduce Seller Ratings – A trust-based system to highlight ethical businesses.
  • Mobile App Development – Launch a dedicated app for seamless access.
  • Partnerships with Eco-Brands – Collaborate with sustainable brands to offer exclusive deals.
  • Gamification & Rewards – Encourage users with incentives for sustainable purchases.

Plawnet is just the beginning of a greener, more accessible future for sustainable shopping! 🌿💚

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