Introduction to our Team and Empathy approach

Introduction to Our Team and Empathy Approach

Welcome to our project dedicated to tackling plastic waste through innovative, collaborative solutions. Our team is composed of four members with diverse expertise in sustainability, technology, and urban planning. By combining these perspectives, we aim to create well-rounded initiatives that address real-world environmental challenges head-on.

Why Empathy Matters

At the heart of our work lies a strong empathy focus. We engage directly with residents, businesses, and waste workers—listening to their experiences, identifying their pain points, and understanding the obstacles they face in everyday recycling. This approach helps us design solutions that truly resonate with the community and yield measurable, positive impacts.

The Challenge: Recycling Gaps and Communication Barriers

Despite the fact that 73% of people have access to recycling, an alarming 57% of recyclables are still ending up in landfills (The Recycling Partnership, 2024). Our research reveals that only 59% of those with access are using recycling systems correctly. Common barriers include:

• Limited Access: In some areas, reliable recycling services or convenient drop-off points are still lacking.
• Poor Communication: Many communities receive minimal or confusing information about proper recycling protocols, leading to contamination or underutilization of recycling bins.

Our Mission

By synthesizing expertise across sustainability, technology, and urban planning, our team is committed to:

1. Raising Awareness about proper recycling practices through targeted campaigns and workshops.
2. Facilitating Access by collaborating with local authorities to improve infrastructure and collection points.
3. Innovating Solutions that simplify the recycling process and empower communities to reduce plastic waste.