A problem in their neighbourhood and find a creative solution for it.

 

Figure 1 : Gamified Plastic Recycling (Ellen Smith — March 19, 2024) 

Gamified Plastic Bottle/Container Return Scheme

Gamified plastic bottle and container return schemes leverage game-like elements to encourage people to return and recycle plastic waste. These schemes aim to boost participation rates in recycling programs by making the process engaging and rewarding. Here's an overview of how these schemes work and their potential benefits:

Key Components of a Gamified Return Scheme

1.     Rewards and Points:

• Points System: Participants earn points for each plastic bottle or container they return. Points can be accumulated and redeemed for rewards such as discounts, vouchers, or other incentives.
• Leaderboards: Users can see how they rank compared to others, fostering a sense of competition and achievement.
• Badges and Achievements: Milestones such as "First 100 Bottles Returned" or "Monthly Recycling Champion" provide additional motivation through recognition.

2.     Technology Integration:

• Mobile Apps: Apps track returns, display points, and notify users about rewards and special events.
• Smart Bins: These bins can identify and count the returned items, often using RFID or QR code technology.
• Online Platforms: Websites or portals where participants can log in, check their progress, and claim rewards.

3.     Social and Community Aspects:

• Social Sharing: Users can share their achievements on social media, encouraging others to participate.
• Community Challenges: Neighborhoods or schools can compete against each other to see who can recycle the most, fostering a community spirit.

4.     Educational Components:

• Informative Content: Apps and platforms can provide information on the importance of recycling, the impact of plastic waste, and how participants’ efforts contribute to environmental sustainability.
• Quizzes and Games: Interactive elements that educate while entertaining, increasing user engagement and awareness.

In simple terms, deposit return schemes work by levying a small deposit on the purchase price of a container product which can be returned after use. Typically, these are bottles or cans. Upon returning your container to a machine in a local shop or supermarket, you get your deposit back as cash or a coupon. (Pow, 2024)

These schemes have been very successful in parts of Europe, with Finland, Germany and Norway achieving 92%, 98% and 92% return rates respectively. In the UK, we have found that financial incentives can significantly change consumer behavior, notably through our 5p plastic bag charge, which has reduced usage by a remarkable 90% in major supermarkets and taken over 15 billion bags out of circulation since 2015. (Pow, 2024)

Consumers in the UK go through an estimated 14 billion plastic drinks bottles, nine billion drinks cans and five billion glass bottles a year. Whenever you see piles of litter or overflowing bins, you invariably see many plastic bottles and drinks cans amongst them. (Pow, 2024)

Benefits of Gamified Return Schemes

1.     Increased Participation:

• Gamification makes recycling more appealing, leading to higher participation rates compared to traditional methods.

2.     Behavioral Change:

• By making recycling a habit through continuous engagement and rewards, long-term behavioral change towards more sustainable practices can be achieved.

3.     Data Collection:

• These schemes collect valuable data on recycling patterns and habits, which can be used to improve recycling programs and policies.

4.     Community Building:

• Encourages community involvement and cooperation, creating a collective effort towards environmental goals.

5.     Reduced Environmental Impact:

• Higher recycling rates lead to less plastic waste in landfills and oceans, contributing to a cleaner environment.

Examples of Gamified Return Schemes

1.     Recyclebank:

• Participants earn points for their recycling efforts, which can be redeemed for rewards. The program also provides educational resources and community challenges.

2.     Tomra Reverse Vending Machines:

• Machines where users return bottles and containers, earning points or cash refunds. Some machines are integrated with apps for tracking and rewards.

3.     RVM Systems:

• Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) used in various countries offer instant rewards or entry into prize draws for each returned item.

Challenges and Considerations

1.     Implementation Costs:

• Setting up smart bins, developing apps, and maintaining the system can be expensive.

2.     User Engagement:

• Sustaining long-term user engagement requires continuous innovation in rewards and challenges.

3.     Inclusivity:

• Ensuring the scheme is accessible to all demographics, including those without smartphones or internet access.

4.     Scalability:

• Adapting the scheme to different regions and communities, considering local recycling infrastructure and habits.

By integrating these gamified elements into plastic bottle and container return schemes, communities and organizations can significantly enhance their recycling efforts, leading to more sustainable practices and a reduction in plastic waste.

References:

Pow, R. (2024, JUNE 9). The environment: A focus on deposit return schemes to increase recycling. Retrieved from openaccessgovernment: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/deposit-return-schemes-increase-recycling/83531/

Alfiansyah Max Bannatyne Clark - TP075566  

Figure 1: HomeHelp Logo

“Project HomeHelp: Completing Communities, One Home at a Time”

Homelessness is a pressing issue in our neighborhood, affecting the well-being of individuals and the overall community. Lack of stable housing leads to health risks such as bad hygiene, more likely spread of disease etc, social isolation, and economic challenges, less tourism, decreased reputation etc.

This innovative approach involves creating a digital platform called HomeHelp, connecting local residents, businesses, and nonprofits to collaborate in solving homelessness. Here are the core aspects:

HomeMatch: A matchmaking feature that pairs homeowners with spare rooms or empty properties with homeless individuals seeking shelter. Homeowners receive incentives (tax breaks, community credits) for participating.

Skills Exchange: Homeless individuals contribute skills (gardening, handy work, tutoring) to the community in exchange for housing. This fosters a sense of purpose and community engagement.

Community Gardens: Transform vacant lots into green spaces where homeless individuals can grow food, fostering self-sufficiency and community bonding.

Healthcare Outreach: Mobile clinics visit homeless encampments, providing medical care, mental health support, and addiction services.

Employment Hub: Connect homeless individuals with local job opportunities, vocational training, and resume-building workshops.

HomeHelp aims to reduce homelessness by providing more outlets and options to the homeless by providing temporary solutions to issues in order to give them more time to plan their future, more opportunities and skills, therefore helping strengthen community bonds, and create a more compassionate neighborhood, whilst also benefiting the local economy hopefully leading to a more complete society.