Inspiration
As environmentally conscious students, we were shocked by the lack of waste management practices in the city of London. Witnessing the absence of a comprehensive green bin program and the resulting environmental impact motivated us to take action. We were inspired to address this pressing issue and promote sustainable waste management practices at Western University. By implementing the Western Green Bin Project, we aim to provide students with a convenient and accessible system to separate and dispose of organic waste responsibly.
What it does
The Western Green Bin Project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable waste management practices within the residential facilities of Western University. This ambitious project encompasses 12 residences spread across the campus, catering to over 5,000 first-year and upper-year students. Our proposal involves the widespread introduction of green bins in each dormitory, accompanied by the provision of compostable trash bags. This system ensures that students have a convenient and accessible solution for the disposal of organic waste.
To complement the deployment of green bins, we are proposing the integration of a dedicated mobile app into Western Services. This accessible app will deliver educational materials and resources about sustainability to students, fostering a culture of responsible waste management. Through the app, users can access information on proper waste sorting techniques, learn about the impacts of waste on climate change, and find links to local resources such as recycling centers and composting facilities.
The app also includes a waste-sorting feature that utilizes object recognition technology, helping users identify which waste items belong in specific bins. This ensures proper waste sorting and reduces contamination in recycling and green bins. Furthermore, the app incorporates a gamified system with incentives for good waste management, rewarding users for their sustainable practices and encouraging healthy competition.
By implementing the Western Green Bin Project and accompanying app, we aim to cultivate a culture of responsible waste management among the student population. Through strategic partnerships with the Western Housing Committee, the City of London, and the support of mentors and stakeholders, Western University will formalize its commitment to sustainability and the well-being of its community.
How we built it
Our proposal came to life following the...
- Identification of gaps in Western's waste management system through comprehensive research and analysis
- Engagement in extensive consultations with mentors and stakeholders
As for the app, we employed...
- React Native frontend
- Django backend implementation
- OpenCV model to detect trash (credits to https://github.com/rabibasukala01/turtlehacks)
- Expo framework for streamlined development
- Figma mockups for user interface design and testing
Challenges we ran into
- using axios to connect the frontend and backend
- creating a back-end server with django for the first time
- connecting with representatives from the City of London
- assessing the financial feasibility of the project and determining the green bin locations
What's next for Western Green Bin Project
Moving forward, the Western Green Bin Project will focus on the continuous development and improvement of the waste-sorting app. Efforts will be made to enhance error formatting, provide greater resources to users, improve the model for the waste-sorting image analysis, and expand the app's functionality with additional endpoints. The pilot project will progress through implementation and testing, including the distribution of green bins in residence buildings, the refinement of the waste-sorting app, and the pilot of a gamification system to incentivize proper waste management nearing the beginning of the upcoming school year. Funding will be sought through government, university, and corporate streams to support app development and maintenance. Throughout the project, research, preparation, and observation will continue, ensuring a comprehensive and ongoing approach to waste management at Western University.
About us and our team
Maya Lekhi - As an incoming second-year student at Western University, I am excited to embark on my journey in the field of computer science. Throughout my academic pursuits, I have developed a keen interest in exploring the intersection between climate change and technology, and the potential for coding to drive positive change in our environment. I strongly believe that the power of technology and its vast applications can play a transformative role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Rachel Chen - Hey! I’m Rachel, I'm an incoming second-year student at Western University, pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Business. I’m passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and make tangible impacts. In my free time, I’m hacking away, designing products, and exploring entrepreneurial ventures. I find great satisfaction in creating innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact. I'm always looking for opportunities to collaborate with fellow enthusiasts, explore emerging technologies, and joining forces to make a difference in my community.
Daniel Wang- As a business student at Western University, I am deeply passionate about the critical issue of climate change. While some may hold the belief that business and climate change are incompatible, I am determined to challenge this perspective and demonstrate that business can play a pivotal role in addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change. My goal is to bridge the gap between business and environmental sustainability, leveraging the power of innovative and responsible business practices to contribute towards a greener and more sustainable future. By combining my academic knowledge, passion for sustainability, and business acumen, I aspire to drive positive change and reshape the way we perceive the relationship between business and climate change.
How we came together: Our team came together during a climate change case competition, discovering a shared passion for making a difference and changing the world. We were troubled by the absence of green bins for food scraps in our residence, and upon further research, we found out that the city of London lacked a comprehensive green bin program. Determined to address this issue, we combined our expertise in business for outreach and communications with our coding skills for app design. Through strategic outreach, we gained support from stakeholders, developed a user-friendly app, and successfully implemented green bins in our residence. Our collaborative efforts fostered a culture of environmental consciousness and empowered students to actively participate in waste management. We are proud of our impact and excited to continue using our skills to drive positive change and create a more sustainable future.
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