Design Challenge #2

We were tasked with selecting a problem from “Report of the UN Economist Network for the UN 75th Anniversary Shaping the Trends of Our Time”. We each wrote 3 how might we statements for the problems that caught our attention most.

We then got placed into groups with people who chose similar topics for our HMWs. I got put into the Climate change group.

PROBLEM:

Mega trend of climate change and environmental degradation

Initially we were thinking we could target this with big companies at a global scale.

Me and my group started by coming up with a new how might we and we came up with this:

How might we inspire community action, increase public knowledge, and motivate businesses to develop sustainable practices for a healthier planet?

Next we each worked on some jobs to be done and then we came together and combined them to make this one:

Our job to be done is to enable and encourage individuals and businesses worldwide to seek simple ways to adopt eco-friendly habits to support sustainability.

We moved on to research and XYZ statement BUT we had to start thinking of possible solutions to move on. As I mentioned initially we were thinking of finding a solution having to do with big companies, but we have now pivoted to what the individual person can do.

XYZ:

We are researching effective ways to inspire sustainable behaviors through targeted education for businesses by exposing whether or not they are contributing to climate change and environmental degradation to push for the change that would make a large impact.

UPDATE:

Here is some secondary research I found about what other countries are doing to help with climate change.

GERMANY

• Investment in renewable energy: Germany continues to invest heavily in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, to meet its energy needs sustainably. The government has outlined measures to strengthen the domestic wind industry, including improving cybersecurity and reducing reliance on critical components like permanent magnets.

JAPAN

• Green transformation promotion act: Approved in 2023, this act aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It focuses on transforming Japan’s energy systems and industrial structures towards sustainability.
• International collaboration: Japan actively engages in international climate agreements and promotes energy diplomacy, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable development goals.

BRAZIL

• Amazon protection efforts: The government has launched initiatives to combat deforestation and promote sustainable development in the Amazon region, recognizing the global importance of the Amazon rainforest in carbon sequestration and biodiversity.
• Expansion of renewable energy: Brazil’s extensive coastline offers immense potential for offshore wind energy, with the government expected to finalize a regulatory framework to support this sector. This could attract further foreign investment, as Brazil’s natural resources make it a prime location for renewable projects, including green hydrogen production.

FINLAND

• Carbon neutrality and energy policy: Finland’s Climate Change Act mandates a carbon neutral status by 2035 and carbon negativity by 2040. This goal is supported by reducing emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. The strategy includes extensive use of nuclear energy, with a new reactor launched in 2023, and a growing focus on wind and solar energy to cut dependence on fossil fuels.
• Circular economy and green industries: Finland’s National Climate and Energy Strategy also emphasizes a circular economy approach, particularly in construction and manufacturing, aiming to minimize waste and promote sustainable materials. The country’s National Battery Strategy aims to position Finland as a global leader in battery production, recycling, and raw material processing, using domestic resources such as cobalt and nickel​.

Here are some countries that aren't doing the best:

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SAUDI ARABIA

• Saudi Arabia’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions are rising steadily. Its share of renewable energy in total primary energy supply is close to zero, and the countries targets are too low.
• Economic structure: As a leading oil exporter, Saudi Arabia’s economy is heavily tied to fossil fuels, making the transition to renewable energy sources challenging.

RUSSIA

• Renewable energy potential: While Russia has vast renewable energy potential, the share of renewables remains negligible — under 0.1% — with minimal plans to increase this significantly by 2050. Instead, policies like the Energy Strategy 2035 prioritize fossil fuel production, aiming to increase output across coal, oil, and natural gas sectors.
• Oil and gas exports: Because Russia is one of the biggest suppliers of oil and gas to the EU, and now the EU wants to turn to a cleaner source of energy, Russia is now wanting to sell to countries like India and China, where climate standards are less strict.

We solidified our solution to the problem. We came up with ecocrate, a subscription box that comes monthly with ecofriendly, sustainable products. There would be a free version provided to anyone paying city bills, and a paid version for those who want to make the commitment to sustainability.

Ecocrate: Personalized Eco-Friendly Subscription Service

1. Personalized Selection Process

• Eco Profile Quiz: New users start by filling out a quick profile quiz to understand their specific interests, lifestyle, and values. Questions might include preferences for sustainable products (e.g., home, beauty, travel, pet care), specific climate concerns, and interest in monthly climate themes (like Plastic-Free January).
• Monthly Selection: Each month, users can choose items for their box from a large selection of eco-friendly products. This list is organized with Highlighted Items at the top that align with the Global Climate Action Theme of the Month. For example:
• Plastic-Free January: Highlighted items could be canvas tote bags, glass straws, beeswax wraps, and stainless-steel lunch containers.
• Energy Conservation March: Highlighted items might include LED light bulbs, energy-saving smart plugs, and insulated water bottles.

2. Curated Bundles for Easy Selection

• Eco-Friendly Bundles: For users who prefer convenience, offer pre-curated bundles that cater to specific needs or interests, such as:
• Travel Essentials Bundle: Includes a set of collapsible water bottles, bamboo utensils, travel-sized toiletries in refillable containers, and a compact reusable shopping bag.
• Plastic-Free Bundle: Contains essentials like beeswax wraps, silicone food bags, glass jars, and reusable produce bags.
• Eco-Friendly Makeup Bundle: Features biodegradable makeup wipes, compostable makeup brushes, and refillable beauty products.
• Pet Bundle: Includes items like biodegradable pet waste bags, eco-friendly pet shampoo, and sustainable pet toys.
• One-Click Bundle Selection: Users can add a complete bundle to their box with a single click, making it easy for those who don’t want to go through each item individually.

3. Customization and Substitution Options

• Swappable Items: Users have the option to swap items within a bundle if they want a more tailored selection while keeping the convenience of a pre-curated bundle.
• Personalized Recommendations: Based on their Eco Profile and past choices, users receive personalized recommendations for eco-friendly items that align with their preferences and the month’s climate theme.

4. Exclusive Offers for Larger or Local Items

• Coupons for Large or Local Items: Some items (like compost bins, bulk cleaning supplies, or home decor) may be too large to fit into the box. In these cases, users receive exclusive discounts or coupons and recommendations to local green businesses that offer these products.
• Green Business Finder: The EcoBox app includes a feature where users can locate nearby eco-friendly businesses and stores that carry items they might be interested in, encouraging them to shop locally and support sustainable businesses in their area.

5. Monthly Climate Action Themes and Rewards

• Global Climate Action Theme of the Month: Each month, EcoBox Club spotlights a new climate action theme (e.g., Plastic-Free January, Water Conservation April) with highlighted items that align with the theme. By selecting items that fit the month’s theme, users participate in supporting focused climate action.
• Rewards for Participation: When users select items according to the Global Climate Action Theme of the Month, they earn points. Points can be accumulated and redeemed for exclusive rewards, such as a mystery eco-friendly item in their next box or, with enough points, an entire extra box.

6. Flexible Subscription Plans

• Monthly or Quarterly Options: Users can choose between monthly and quarterly subscription plans based on their preferences and needs. The monthly option is ideal for essentials, while the quarterly option includes larger lifestyle and travel products.

Eco-Conscious Packaging: Boxes are made from recyclable materials, and packaging is minimized to reduce waste. Instructions for how to recycle or repurpose any packaging materials are provided in each box.

Free Ecocrate (Government-Sponsored)

This box is designed for residents who receive utility assistance or don’t actively seek eco-friendly alternatives:

• Provided free of charge to eligible residents
• Funded by local government and utility companies
• Contains basic eco-friendly household items and educational materials
• Aims to promote sustainable living among all community members

Paid Ecocrate (Paid Subscription)

This box caters to environmentally conscious residents willing to invest in sustainability:

• Paid subscription for the first year, free for the second year if participation criteria are met
• Partnered with the City of San Marcos and local utility providers
• Includes premium eco-friendly products, energy-saving devices, and exclusive local green business discounts
• Offers more customization options and higher-value items than the Ecocrate subscription.

Participation Program:

• New utility customers can opt-in to receive the GreenChoice Box
• First year: Subscribers pay for the box along with their utility bills
• Second year: Box is provided free if the subscriber maintained good standing and demonstrated eco-friendly practices
• Non-participants in the first year can join in the second year but must pay for the subscription

We then made edits to our how might we, job to be done and XYZ.

And we came together and made a presentation of our solution by divying up tasks. One of my tasks was logo and mock up creation.

Logo

Mock up of the subscription box

An example of the insert that comes in your box so you know what each thing is and where it comes from.

What the contents might look like and the tape to seal the box

There is a user friendly app we came up with where the subscribers to the box can customize their next months box. We all collectively worked on and made changes to the presentation as we went. I believe that our solution would bring a feesible solution so that the everyday person could be educated and be inspired to do their part against climate change!