Think outside the trash!
- aropblessing
- Jan 10, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 12, 2021
THE INTRO: I applied to be an Innovate for Africa fellow because of the values they told me they inculcate. Inspiring values I’d say, together with the training and support is almost unheard of in this part of the world. Don’t get me wrong, there are innovative programs but I’ll vote to Innovate for Africa’s un-relentless Team anytime any day. IFA’s program design seeks to create the next generation of Nigerian Innovators while strengthening the innovation ecosystem. Nothing less is expected from Harvard Business School: New Venture Competition 2020 Semifinalist. I’m super proud to be a 2021 fellow.
THE HACK: IFA’s Hackathon like every other Hackathon is a design sprint-like event; in which Cycle Fellows are divided into hackathon groups in certain domains to collaborate intensively on innovative ideas to solve the most pressing and relatable issues.
THE ISSUE: Environmental pollution is a problem, used interchangeably with waste management.
THE PROBLEM: Waste in Nigeria is more likely burned or improperly disposed leading to unprecedented environmental degradation as well as very low recycling efforts which stands currently at <10% - the question remains how might we increase the awareness of plastic environmental impact, encourage recycling and facilitate the closeness of recycling facilities to users?”
THE PROCESS: Collate possible customer research questions from team members. To administer these questions, the team created a questionnaire through google forms to encourage teamwork through simultaneous accessibility.
THE QUESTIONS:
The present state of mind: why or why not recycle? How much is known about recycling? Items recycled? What would make recycling easier?
Future State of mind: what would change the recycling attitude/mindset, views on plastic burning, and current waste disposal methods? Views on buying generic recyclable products.
THE INSIGHTS from conducting PMR interviews: After a long day of reading answers from respondents, it is evident to note that most respondents would recycle if it’s close to home, an average number of respondents are aware of recycling, most respondents agree that burning plastics is bad. Generally, most respondents would recycle or be more positive towards recycling if it’s beneficial and easy to do: like thrashing. Again awareness is almost nothing, most respondents agree that they are not informed at all and have only heard of recycling based on exposure and interest. Insights are drafted based on most selected answers by respondents using google forms.
THE CHANGE in customer perspective: The general perceived optimism in which I felt responses from respondents would provide has been reduced to a bare minimum as respondents actually do care about the waste and pollution problem, but they’re still less likely to recycle if it’s not convenient, they’re confused, or they’re in a hurry as people either rarely or occasionally feel like they’re making a difference when they recycle. Again people still experience confusion about what’s recyclable. That said, it’s more reasonable to include awareness and feedback in the problem statement.
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