EMPATHISE
We are addressing families, students and people in general who do not recycle or donate furniture or other household items and tend to throw away items that could be used by others. Some of their characteristics are they have no awareness of recycling, or they may know about reusing but have difficulties accessing recycling facilities. They throw away these items to unsuitable places and these end up as waste and pollution. Also, they may lack appropriate information and education about recycling and reusing. Additionally, they may not be aware of the significance of recycling and reusing. This pattern of behaviour is usually consistent and goes on for a long time thus contributing to the overall problem of increasing waste.
DEFINE
Dumping rubbish can lead to pollution of land, water, and air. Harmful chemicals and toxins can spill into the soil and water, harming ecosystems and wildlife. Accumulated rubbish can attract pests like rodents and insects, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Air pollution from burning trash can also pose health hazards. Improper disposal of rubbish can destroy natural habitats and disrupt ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity. Unsightly rubbish heaps can spoil the visual appeal of an area, affecting property values and the overall quality of life for residents. Throwing away items that could be recycled or reused leads to the wastage of valuable resources and energy. Many places have laws and regulations governing rubbish disposal. Failing to comply with these rules can result in fines or legal action. Managing rubbish, including collection and disposal, can be expensive for local governments and communities, leading to increased taxes or fees.
IDEATE
IDEAS
- Development of C2C platform for transactions and sales considering used products for recycling.
- Placement of hot spots across the city where people can get access to recycled products.
- Placement of specialized bins that have specific categories considering the type of items for recycling.
- Collection and repairment of used items that are in a relatively good condition and can be re-used.
- Seminars in universities to achieve further recognition of the recycling problem in Cyprus and emphasize the importance and benefits of our movement (recycling and reusing items).
- Construction of new furniture from the materials of unused furniture.
- Creating houses with unused furniture for people without financial means.
- Donation of furniture to Hospitals/Schools, etc.
- Furniture Collection.
- Making children's toys from unused furniture.
- Reuse of furniture materials to manufacture other products.
FINAL IDEA
The final idea is an event to take place at a second-hand shop called ''attic furniture and more''. This shop is closing because the owner is retiring. The main goal of this event is to motivate many people to keep or reuse old furniture instead of throwing it away. At this event, the owner of ''attic furniture and more'' is going to talk about the importance of recycling and reusing.