Internship
We installed a reverse vending machine and 3 portable bins to collect recyclable plastic; compensation in a cryptocurrency through blockchain technology
Before this project started, we did not realize that the bottle cap (PP) and the plastic label attached to the bottle were different from the material of the bottle itself (PET). When we visited the factory, we saw that the bottle caps and plastic labels were separated one by one. The bottle caps were even sent to separate companies for them to recycle. If consumers can remove the labels and bottle caps before throwing plastic bottles away, then the recycling process becomes significantly easier and more efficient.
We also visited a factory that recycles paper (ASPEX)
We learned from our research that developed countries export plastic and waste to developing countries such as China and Indonesia. China has completely banned the import of waste for recycling since 2018, and since then, countries around the world have been affected by this policy and banned the import and export of waste. Now, countries process their own waste.
Fair Rubber (NGO) - Project Initiator & Writer (2019-2020)
-We wrote and published literature to be included in a booklet & local newspaper to promote fair rubber trade and protect rubber workers in Indonesia
-Flipsnack website design/editing + print posters + distribute posters throughout campus
Our team's project with United Bike gave me an ingenious idea: why not apply the plastic bottle collection method we learned recently to this new idea for used bicycle tube collection?
Bicycle tubes are light in weight, but require time and effort to collect, hence they are not collected as frequently as larger tubes, so we decided to apply the plastic bottle collection method to bicycle tube collection.
Ricky, one of our team members who studied engineering in Germany, was in charge of the design of the machine. After much discussion and extensive trial and error, the automatic collection box had been completed down to the very last detail.
Brian said, “Why don't we apply for a patent in Indonesia?” suggesting that we protect the idea legally.
To clarify, we do not intend to apply for patents to make money from them, but to verify whether or not the concepts we create can be objectively recognized and legally validated. One thing’s for sure, a patent would be an amazing achievement for us and something to celebrate!
