Hack the Plastics: A Design Challenge to Beat Plastic Pollution in Mogadishu
Plastic Pollution is choking the people and planet in different ways. The single-use plastic has significant value of usage for humans, but it has life threatening negative effects on the environment, society, economy, and health. According to UNEP, one million plastic bottles are bought globally every minute, and up to five trillion plastic bags are used annually. Half of all plastic produced is intended for single use only, meaning it will only be used once before being discarded.
Mogadishu has no exception to the it’s struggle of plastic pollution. Plastics trash, particularly microplastics, are found every everywhere- on streets and the beaches! Most of the plastic waste are resistance to degradation which makes them nearly impossible to decompose. The microplastics dumped to beaches and streets where animals may easily annihilate and absorbed. Therefore, it’s imperative to embrace a behavioral change in how use, produce and dispose plastics to live a cleaner, healthier, and greener Mogadishu. #BeatThePlasticPollution Beating the plastic Pollution demands a collective effort and contribution by individuals, communities, businesses, and governments. But the pretty reality in beating the plastic pollution is infinite. There is no one way of beating plastic pollution; therefore, ICE Institute is thrilled to announce, “Hack the Plastics,” a mini design challenge to commemorate World Environment Day and Oceans Day in June 5 & 8 2023. This hackathon aims to bring together senior students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate on finding innovative solutions to tackle the issue of plastic pollution and litter in the oceans in Mogadishu. The challenge draws inspiration from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 13, 14 & 15: Climate Action, Life on land, Below Water.
Objectives:
To raise the awareness of young people on detrimental effects of plastic pollution and litter on marine ecosystems, beaches, and public health.
1. To the foster creativity, collaboration, and green innovation to develop actionable, community driven and impactful solutions.
2. To encourage the use of technology, design thinking, and data-driven approaches beating plastic pollution In Mogadishu
3. To provide a community centered platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and partnerships among individuals passionate about environmental conservation.
4. To share and disseminate knowledge and needs-based solutions to beat plastic pollution in Mogadishu.
Format and Duration:
Hack the Plastics will be one day design challenge held physically environmental at Town Campus, SIMAD University in Mogadishu. The event will participate a diverse group of participants, including students, professionals, innovators, researchers, and environmental enthusiasts. The Participants will form teams, combining their unique skills, perspectives, and expertise to address various aspects of the plastic pollution problem. There will be expert mentors from relevant fields, including environmental science, engineering, design, and sustainability those will guide and support the teams throughout the challenge, and teams will generate innovative solutions to beat plastic pollution through design sprints and showcase their prototypes. The event will culminate in team presentations, where they will showcase their innovative solutions to a panel of judges.
Focus Areas:
1.Plastic waste management and recycling solutions tailored to Mogadishu’s unique challenges and local context.
2. Innovative methods to prevent plastics from reaching the ocean, such as waste management systems, community engagement initiatives, and awareness campaigns.The creation and design of new eco-friendly products and promoting their adoption in local communities.
3. Technological solutions leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning, or data analytics to track, monitor, and mitigate plastic pollution.
4. Education and outreach programs towards behavioural change to reduce plastic use.
5. New industry standards and governmental policies to challenge practices in natural ecosystem management.
Impact and Scalability
The solutions will be evaluated based on their potential for impact, scalability, sustainability, and feasibility of implementation in Mogadishu. ICE Institute will support the implementation of awarded and promising solutions through comprehensive support needed including mentorship, and access to its network of experts. Successful participants will be recognized and celebrated for their contributions to tackling plastic pollution and will have the opportunity to showcase their work across the platforms of the institute and SIMAD University
