Permaculture for change
This project led us to the poor waste control in the Languedoc area near Stellenbosch University. It is overrun by waste such as food waste, cartons, and different plastic items.
It is due to illegal waste dumping and poor waste management. All these different materials are very dangerous and can affect people's health and mental well-being.
It is due to illegal waste dumping and poor waste management. All these different materials are very dangerous and can affect people's health and mental well-being.
This community is in desperate need of the positive effect of permaculture.
Point of View
I am Violet, a Stellenbosch University student living in the Languedoc community, which is overrun by waste that negatively impacts the health and happiness of all residents. This problem stems from a lack of proper waste disposal.
Design Solution
The plastic waste will be collected to create polywood, an artificial wood substitute that is stronger and lasts longer. The polywood will be used to create waste bins as well as compost bins that will be used to create compost from food waste and cartons from the area. The compost will be used for farming in the community to produce a yield. The compost bins will be held at a hub where all the composting and sorting of garbage will be taking place. There will also be visual aids that will help guide viewers and users on how to use the waste bin system as well as spread awareness of the new waste system.
Design output
The compost bin is designed to withstand the harsh winds in the Languedoc area as well as maximize composting output efficiency.
The top-view design of the hub shows a smooth flow for users to navigate through and maximize involvement.
The realistic render of the hub shows a clean and organized exterior designed to be very appealing to viewers passing by.
The map layout shows waste collection points, possible hub positions as well as possible community garden sites.
This is an illustration of the mascot to add personality to the new waste system that will make the system more approachable and appealing.
The visual aids are designed with the same style and bright colours to appeal to viewers.
Recommendations
If we had more time we would have liked to find a consistent way to keep users motivated and engaged and we would like to create a solid plan for the community to upgrade the original designs and expand to other regions in the Stellenbosch area. We would also have liked to plan several short courses for all communities ranging from small to large in scale that will spread awareness on how important permaculture is for all environments and how to apply the knowledge to all aspects of life.
