Green Leaflet
Basic information
Project Title
Green Leaflet
Full project title
ZELENNKA – ZELENA ZGIBANKA – THE GREEN LEAFLET
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
What inspired me to create the leaflet were the excessive amounts of either plastic or biodegradable bags that become single-use due to plastic stickers one has to use after weighing fruits and vegetables in stores. I designed a leaflet out of old newspaper, laminating it plastic from used plastic folders. The allows application of several stickers and can be folded. Creating the leaflets would be an engrossing and educational activity for people of all ages in our society.
Geographical Scope
Cross-border/international
Project Region
CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: Slovenia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
What inspired me to create the leaflet were the excessive amounts of either plastic or biodegradable bags that unfortunately become single-use due to plastic stickers one has to use after weighing fruits and vegetables in stores. I decided to tackle the problem by designing a leaflet out of old newspaper and laminating it with pieces of already used plastic folders. The leaflet can be folded to the size of one plastic sticker that is used in stores and allows application of several stickers as we tend to buy more than one sort of vegetables and fruits in one purchase. It is both simple to make as well as easily carried, but most importantly, it does not designate the bag as waste. Creating the green leaflets would be an engrossing, enjoyable and educational task for students of all ages to perform in their schools. Not only does it spark their creativity, it also draws their attention to environmental problems. Likewise, the simplicity of the product enables it to be produced in numerous other organisations as well as households.
Key objectives for sustainability
In terms of sustainability, my concept would contribute to a decrease in plastic waste as well as waste of grocery bags in general. Namely, by applying the plastic stickers onto the leaflet rather than the bag, the consumers could reuse their bags rather than dispose of them.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
I firmly believe that creating the leaflet would spark creativity in the ones participating in the project. Namely, they could truly develop their artistic streak by combining old newspapers and magazines into a unique as well as useful and eco-friendly everyday “gadget”. Furthermore, the task could connect different generations and people of various social backgrounds in organisations such as youth organisations, schools, senior centres and public spaces in general.
Key objectives for inclusion
Due to the simplicity of the leaflet, I am certain that the only cost burdens that the project may pose are advertising the innovation and funding the organisations that may participate in it. In terms of accessibility, the project does not require anything special as all the components needed to create a leaflet can be found in any household or public space.
How Citizens benefit
The entire society may take part in the project via different public institutions and organisations which may be interested in participating. As the leaflet is easy to make, it could be created in libraries, schools, parks etc. Consequently, it could contribute to improvement of communication between different social groups as well as generations. Furthermore, the society would become more ecologically aware, let alone more eager to participate in other environmental projects as well.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
I my project, I see innovation in the problem itself, as no one seems to have focused on the problem of stickers “polluting” either plastic or biodegradable bags. Namely, as far as I am concerned, everyone has been focusing on the fact that the plastic nature is the most prominent threat when it comes to shopping habits. Agree as I do, I am well aware of the fact that a change from plastic to biodegradable, first of all, cannot be done overnight. Secondly, I see “another root” of the problem – the stickers which compel even an environmentally aware consumer (potentially bringing their biodegradable bags) to make a bag single use. Lastly, I also wish to point out that I support consumers opting for market bought goods rather than store bought. However, as store chains operate on such a great scale and probably will not submit themselves to eliminating plastic bags from their stores in near future, I am eager to try alleviate the burden of plastic waste by establishing a greener alternative to single use packaging products.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The two most prominent concepts intertwined with one another in my project are environmental awareness and creativity. I am convinced that the combination is of paramaount importance as it enables a practical yet aesthetically pleasing solution to a pressing problem.
How stakeholders are engaged
There have not been any stakeholders engaged in my project so far.
Global challenges
As stated in the previous answer, applying the concept on a local scale could soon turn into a global trend of protecting nature from plastic waste. Not only is “eco-friendly” now trending, it is also true that more and more people are becoming aware of environmental threats and would be glad to be “presented” with a solution to a problem that they may fear would trouble future generations. Unless, of course, we creatively defy pollution.
Learning transferred to other parties
As the concept is very simple and not at all time-consuming, I strongly believe that companies owning grocery store chains will soon advertise the concept as to lure new costumers by promoting green and eco-friendly shopping habits. Likewise, the consumers will be able to express their dissatisfaction with mindless plastic bags use by refusing to stick the stickers onto the bags, which could lead to companies gradually abandoning old concepts and opting for the more aware ones. Furthermore, I think of my project as an initiative that would cause a "positive downward spiral" as by advertising it, not only more companies, but also more and more customers and consumers will be able to appreciate the eco-friendly idea and spread it until production of plastic bags ceases.
Keywords
plastic pollution
innovation
environmental awareness
creativity
inclusion
