Until April 20, 2021, registrations are open for the global No Waste Challenge award , aimed at projects that seek innovative solutions to reduce waste and rethink the production and consumption cycle, generating less plastic waste at sea. The challenge is promoted by the international platform What Design Can Do, with support from Oceana in Brazil.
In 2020, Oceana launched the report A Free Ocean of Plastic – Challenges for the Reduction of Marine Pollution , gathering information on the scenario of plastic production and disposal in the country. The publication and support for the No Waste Challenge are part of the campaign developed by the organization to reduce marine pollution by this material.
The No Waste Challenge invites students, designers and creative entrepreneurs from all states in the country to participate in the challenge. There are four categories: Products; Communication; Spaces; and Services & Systems. Proposals must fit into at least one of three global design briefings:
- EXTRACT LESS – How can we inspire the use of less natural resources and consume more consciously?
- PRODUCING WELL – How can we produce products and materials that are kept in use and / or regenerate natural systems?
- BETTER DISPOSAL – How can we use garbage as a resource or dispose of it more responsibly?
Brazil produces about seven million tons of plastic per year, an amount that places the country in the position of the largest producer in Latin America. Of this amount, three million tons are single-use plastics. At least 325 thousand tons of this waste are taken to sea from land sources such as open dumps and inadequate discharges, negatively impacting marine life, ecosystems, fishing and tourism.
For those interested in participating in the challenge, the No Waste Challenge offers additional trails inspired by the local perspectives of seven major cities, two of which are located in Brazil. Specific briefings are for Amsterdam, Delhi, Mexico City, Nairobi, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo.
The winners will receive € 10,000 in funding and a personalized development program to make the project a reality. Each winner will also have the opportunity to present their project to a global audience at events on design and innovation promoted by What Design Can Do.