Proposal
Ecoco
The nucifera coconut, or particularly known as coconut tree, is a fruit abundant in countries with coast and regions near the Equator, however, its shell is often wasted by large producers and local traders.
Each year 50 billion coconuts are produced in the world, 85% of these shells are handled as waste and dumped in landfills, causing negative impacts on the environment. Burning coconut shells without any other use implies greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, causing increased global warming and climate change.
The idea of transforming coconut shells into kitchen utensils, thermo-acoustic insulators and eco-friendly lighters proposes an innovative design that motivates people to adopt a new lifestyle with the use of coconut avoiding it becomes waste, which would have a huge impact on the planet by adopting a more sustainable life.
In the case of kitchen utensils it is sought to mitigate the consumption of single-use plastics, since, according to the “Secretaría de Medio Ambiente – SEDEMA” (responsible for the environment and sustainable development in Mexico) unicel or Expanded Polystyrene is considered a recyclable product, however, it is not biodegradable or compostable, due to its chemical properties that do not disintegrate with biological agents. So such material can remain in the environment 1000 years, thus being a source of pollution for soil and water.
While plastic substitution may be difficult, companies have now demonstrated a high level of commitment to implementing sustainable practices, which would greatly help in bringing products to market. In addition to this, according to Article 25 of the “Ley de residuos sólidos del Distrito Federal” in 2021 prohibited the sale, distribution and purchase of single-use plastics because they generate about 150 tons per day, in this way we generate a sustainable alternative that helps to reduce this waste, taking advantage of the organic waste of coconut.
The main function of the lighters is to propitiate the fire in matters like coal and/or wood, however, this is finally burned to be consumed by the same fire, it could sound contradictory to the main problem that we want to abate, however, our solution is to provide you with another use and not be burned for being considered junk.
The thermoacoustic insulation to be used comes from natural coconut fiber which, due to its fibrous and porous structure, reduces heat and sound transfer due to its thermal conductivity, providing a comfortable interior environment and reducing energy loss, It is also resistant to moisture avoiding problems of mold and deterioration, also the insulation will be covered on the sides with the material “tetra pak”, which is used as packaging, storage and transport of drinks and food, contributing to the infiltration of liquids.
According to the “Encuesta Nacional de Vivienda” (ENVI) 2020, Mexico has a structural problem in homes, which are humidity or water leaks, representing 44.2%; with correlation in Mexico there are 14 million homes considered “not worthy” because they lack conditions that guarantee the physical security of the inhabitants, which according to the UN is one of the 7 basic elements of adequate housing.
Our project is focused on the following Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth: Ecoco seeks to give people from the most disadvantaged localities the opportunity of an integral job that provides them with an income and a decent life, according to the Government of Mexico in 2023, 67,4k unemployed people were registered in the state of Veracruz.
- SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: Using thermoacoustic insulators as building blocks for homes in marginalized areas, we will contribute to infrastructure adapted to offer a higher quality of life.
- SDG 12 Responsible production and consumption: The goal of our project is to get people to change their consumption habits of plastics by replacing them with coconut-based utensils for the survival of our generation and future.
- SDG 13 Climate Action: Using coconut shells, which are normally discarded and burned, reduces charring and the release of gases that are harmful to the atmosphere.
References:
INEGI. (2021). Encuesta nacional de vivienda (ENVI), 2020 principales resultados. https://www.inegi.org.mx/contenidos/saladeprensa/boletines/2021/envi/ENVI2020
Ley de residuos sólidos del Distrito Federal, Reformada Gaceta Oficial de la Ciudad de México [G.O.C.D.M.X.], 3 de abril de 2023, (México).
Organización de las Naciones Unidas. (2019, abril). Elementos de una vivienda adecuada. ONU HABITAT. https://onuhabitat.org.mx/index.php/elementos-de-una-vivienda-adecuada
Organización de las Naciones Unidas. (2017). Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/es/2015/09/la-asamblea-general-adopta-la-agenda-2030-para-el-desarrollo-sostenible/
Salazar, D. (2021). The Future of Discarded Coconut Shells: Going Beyond Waste. Medium. https://dietsalazar.medium.com/the-future-of-discarded-coconut-shells-going-beyond-waste-4cbd60ded248
Santiago, A. (s. f.). Unicel. http://data.sedema.cdmx.gob.mx:8081/residuos/index.php/unicel#:~:text=Si%20es%20quemado%20al%20aire,%C2%B4s)%20y%20dioxinas4.