Upcycle logo
Sustainability to-do list for points
Accrue enough points to spin the wheel for prizes
Sustainability chat bot that gives you recycling solutions and tips
Resources page
Integrated map that pins nearby thrift stores and recycling centers

Building a Sustainability-Promoting App

We designed an app to encourage sustainable choices by creating an app with a checklist that lets users earn points to spin a prize wheel with eco-friendly rewards. We also integrated an AI chatbot for waste management, offering two options: recycling or DIY. Users can upload a photo of waste to get recycling guidance or enter an item name to discover creative ways to repurpose it.

Inspiration

The trash situation in the U.S. is alarming, with landfills overflowing and recycling efforts often failing due to misinformation. Our team wanted to create an app that educates and empowers people to recycle, upcycle, and manage waste more effectively. The goal was to make sustainability accessible and actionable for everyone.

What We Learned

Throughout this project, we learned about:

The complexities of recycling rules and how they vary by location.
The impact of upcycling in reducing waste and giving materials a second life.
The importance of user-friendly design in encouraging sustainable habits.

How We Built It

We developed the app using:

Frontend: Flutter for cross-platform support.
Backend: Firebase for user data and content management.
Database: Firestore to store information on recycling/upcycling guides.
APIs: Integrated local recycling databases to provide location-based waste disposal information.

Challenges We Faced

Data Accuracy: Recycling guidelines differ by region, making it difficult to provide universally correct information.
User Engagement: Sustainability apps often struggle with retention, so we had to design features that keep users coming back.
Balancing Simplicity & Detail: We needed to present information clearly without overwhelming users.

Despite these challenges, we built an app that encourages positive environmental habits and provides valuable guidance on waste management. We hope this project inspires more people to rethink how they handle trash and contribute to a cleaner planet.