Green Network
Green Recovery tackles the microplastic problem infesting our world in 4 ways.
‘Simple Substitutes’ is our primary platform, where members search for alternatives to plastic products. They can also search for products with eco-friendly packaging. Once they select the recommended product, they will be redirected to local stores that sell it.
‘Plastic Print’ enables members to track their personal plastic usage. We also provide a recommended plastic purchasing pattern to ensure customers are still able to purchase necessary products, while ensuring it does not imprint our ecosystem.
‘Green Network’, a digital forum, enables members to interact and upload personal projects or solutions to spread awareness.
‘Global Share’ is our final section where members have access to the latest news articles and videos related to the environment.
If this project was scaled globally, customer awareness will surge and our circular economy will be completely relieved of plastic products.
At Green Recovery, we are attempting to solve the micro-plastic problem. There are currently nearly 5 trillion micro and macro plastics floating in the ocean, resulting in the death of over 100,000 marine animals and 1 million sea birds. Moreover, all of this plastic will eventually be part of the human food chain.
The link above describes the effect of plastic packaging on the environment. Over 40% of plastic produced is a part of plastic packaging. And this problem isn’t expected to stop. Sources state that plastic packaging is expected to increase by 30% within the next 5 years.
However, plastic is not just restricted to packaging. 380 million tons of plastic is produced annually, of which at least half are made for single-use plastic. This indicates that a large portion of plastic is used for producing products as well. For example, most Plastics contain additives making them stronger, more flexible, and durable--extending the life of products. Some will not ‘break down’ for 400 years!
Our primary feature, simple substitutes, enables members to search for ecological alternatives for their desired product, or products they desire in eco-friendly packaging. The member must initially type in the product they want to purchase. Once selected, they will be redirected to the website of local stores they want to purchase from. This feature involves collaborating with local stores and creating a database along with them.
Our second feature, plastic print, provides data to our members regarding their personal plastic consumption pattern. This includes the number of plastic products and the distribution of these products (meaning which types of plastic-products are being purchased by the user). In addition, our software suggests a recommended plastic consumption pattern.
Green Network is a forum where our members are connected with one-another and can share their own personal solutions or projects.
Global Share is our final platform where customers have access to environmental news. This news will not be made by us. Instead we share this news on our platform and when members would like to read it, they will be redirected to that particular website.
The effect of microplastics poses a massive threat to most organisms: including humans.
“A report on the impact of plastic pollution, one of the first to document the impact of discarded plastic on the health of the poorest people in the world, estimates that between 400,000 and one million people die every year because of diseases and accidents linked to poorly managed plastic waste in developing countries” -- Sir David Attenborough (Broadcaster)
https://repurpose.global/letstalktrash/harmful-effects-of-plastic-pollution-on-human-health/
The above site describes all the potential ways human beings ingest plastics. We consume plastic through seafood, plastic packaging, such as plastic bottles and plastic containers, and through our clothes. Due to the fact that humans consume plastic through man-made products, Green Recovery’s main platform, Simple Substitutes, aims to provide alternatives to plastic products. Through this process, the amount of plastic ingested can be massively reduced.
However, humans are not the only species being affected by plastic products. Marine animals are the most affected by plastic pollution: 100 million marine animals die annually due to plastic pollution. Plus, over a million birds due to either ingesting plastic, or injury caused by plastic. As most of such plastic products enter the ecosystem due to purchasing them, reducing the consumption of such products directly mitigates the number of deaths and injuries due to plastic. One significant method is the provision of alternatives. However, public awareness can change the way plastic is viewed, used and managed as waste. Therefore, Green Recovery’s addition of Green Network and Global Share further reinforces our ability to tackle the microplastic problem.
With interaction and communication, through Green Network, between members, we can spread the effect of plastic on the environment, as well as discuss potential solutions. Whereas in Global Share, we ‘Share’ news that pertains to the environment. Similar to Green Network, this increases support and enthusiasm, stimulates self-mobilization, and mobilizes knowledge amongst citizens.
- Provide scalable and verifiable monitoring and data collection to track ecosystem conditions, such as biodiversity, carbon stocks, or productivity.
I understand that the challenge, Resilient Ecosystems, requires solutions where societies can help protect ecosystems. Subsequently, I believe that Green Recovery perfectly fits into the requirements. Managing and monitoring the level of plastic consumption reduces the level of plastic entering the ecosystem.
I also understand that MIT Solve is looking for technology-based solutions. Therefore, the website custom is a practical method for all customers to access. We also aim to collaborate with local stores to ensure our customers have a wide range of ecological products to purchase, as well as promoting awareness.
- Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model.
We selected ‘Prototype’ because it accurately describes our current progress. Green Recovery, at the moment, is in progress of collaborating with local stores and building the website. At the moment, we have a list of contacts for potential local stores whom we may collaborate with. We will begin this process once we have completed the homepage of our website. We currently have 5 members, distributed into the designing, development and content writing department, as well as some mentors to guide us in terms of collaboration and the development of the website. We are also planning on collaborating with a news aggregator targeted for children. In this manner, we can expand our organization and maximize awareness amongst members.