PROBLEM STATEMENT
The group conducts survey forms and applies Empathy Map to categorize responses by
grouping them into different areas of experience: what they say, think, do, and feel. This
approach makes it easier to understand their perspectives and needs. Moreover, empathy
map provides a comprehensive view, enabling us to define the problems where solutions
are required.
1. Analysis of Identified Problems
1.1 Problem 1: Excessive plastic waste
1.1.1. What do they SAY?
The survey shows that most of the students in FTU2 Campus use plastic items on a daily
basis as the tendency to buy fast food and all kinds of beverages is notably high, both for
consumption within and without the school campus. The respondents claim that they use
at least one straw per day, most of which are made from non-eco friendly materials. After
finishing their drinks, they rarely keep the straws but throw them immediately without
giving a thought.
1.1.2. What do they THINK?
When being asked whether they think sustainable environmental development is of great
importance or not, 90% of the students responded with an affirmation, they also
displayed good awareness that plastic straw- regardless of its small size- is indisputably
detrimental to the environment. Most of the students believe that the contribution of a
great number of people can have a positive impact on the environment.
1.1.3. What do they FEEL?
Although some people are cognizant of the harm of the material, they show no feeling
about the amount of plastic waste they dispose on a daily basis as plastic has become
incredibly prevalent in packaging. Some other feel guilty after considering how much
plastic waste they have released to the environment, and express the willingness to act,
reduce, reuse, recycle, and join the workshop that we intend to organize for the purpose
of recycling plastic items, transforming them into other creative things like plant pots,
decoration accessories, etc.
1.1.4. What do they DO?
According to the survey, approximately 60% of the students show their interest for a
workshop aimed at recycling plastic items. They stated that they have partaken in some
environmental conservation campaigns and admitted that they had made an effort to
implement “Reduce, reuse, recycle” motto but lacked consistency.
1.2. Problem 2: Students' awareness
Although most individuals are cognizant of the negative impact that plastic waste has on
the environment, they still struggle to change their consumption patterns and initiate
long-term sustainable strategies.
The familiarity students have with plastic materials have grown so strong that they feel
normal with the presence of plastic in their life, as well as the volume of waste they
release to the environment.
In modern life, plastic has become an indispensable part of the daily lives of individuals.
The prevalence of plastic products makes consumers feel very comfortable using them,
sometimes to the extent that they are unaware of their negative impact on the
environment. They may feel that using plastic is normal and easy, but few stop to think
about the long-term consequences of this behavior.
When shopping, every product is usually packaged in plastic, from food to personal
items. This creates an unconscious usage habit, leading them to feel that there is nothing
unusual or abnormal about consuming plastic. However, within the minds of many, there
may exist conflicting feelings. They may feel guilty about contributing to environmental
damage, but that regret feeling is always blurred away by the instant convenience that
plastic provides.
Moreover, the huge amount of people who lack awareness about the impact of plastic
waste on the environment also leaves many feeling helpless. They recognize that the
amount of plastic waste is increasing, yet they do not know where to start and they are
aware that their small contribution cannot have a great influence on the environment if no
one joins them to take action on the larger scope. This thinking somehow makes them
neglect their intention to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle. As a result, they may continue
to use plastic products, continue contributing to the problem they wish to resolve.
In conclusion, as many people have become too dependent and familiar with the comfort
in using plastic, and the awareness that small contribution cannot make any significant
changes to the environment, actions that should be taken are often overlooked, as more
people continue to join the trend of using plastic materials.
2. Problem statement
After considering the two problems which contribute to a large issue of excessive plastic
waste, it’s clear that plastic items usage is a serious problem that we can address with
collective efforts. Reducing our dependence on plastic items can lead to real
improvements in sustainability on campus and set the stage for tackling other
environmental issues.
