EcoSphere - Find recycling centers near you

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  searching for metal can in ecosphere

Inspiration

I was inspired by the experiences of myself and the average person/neighbor around me who wants to start recycling due to its environmental benefits, but doesn't have the knowledge of what can be recycled, where to go to recycle it, and what type of recycling it belongs in. I was also inspired by the issue of contamination of recycling batches: when something is disposed of wrongly this can hinder the abilities of recycling plants to recycle whole batches! So, I made a simple online tool to combat these simple issues that pose a big obstacle to recycling.

What it does

This app is a tool which allows users to conveniently find recycling/compost/electronics drop off centers near them, as well as search for items and easily get a result for how and where exactly to dispose of them.

How we built it

Using prompt engineering with Gemini AI as well as by using wolfram API and Overpass API , I researched, debugged, and tested until the web page had the functionality that I envisioned.

Challenges we ran into

• This was my first time using any API, so I had to navigate creating API tokens and using them. -I also navigated a lot of code errors, from a malfunctioning UI and API bugs to Google Maps trying to send users to the middle of nowhere!
• I did all this while being under 18 and thus not having much of a budget, using my computer, the internet, and Gemini ai, which was a challenging though rewarding experience :).

Accomplishments that we're proud of:

-Incorporating the smart search -Incorporating google maps directions -Incorporating location tracker

What we learned

I learned about how to use APIs and how to create using generative AI to make something useful/meaningful.

What's next for EcoSphere:

• UI/UX developments
• interactive embedded map -ai feature for someone to see the real impact of their recycling + a log of how often + what is recycled

Built With

• axios
• cors
• css
• express.js
• gps
• html
• javascript
• node.js
• overpass-api
• wolfram|alpha-api