Green-Ovation Experience
As I walked into the venue for the Green-Ovation competition, I was oblivious to the future impact it would have on me. This competition was special—and I was yet to find out why. The atmosphere buzzed with the energy of these like-minded individuals, all eager to share their innovative ideas for a greener future.
In preparation for the competition, I dove deep into the problem of food waste. I spent hours interviewing members of my community to understand their struggles with food waste. From teenagers to elderly residents, each person had a unique perspective. They shared what types of waste they generated, ranging from vegetable peels to fruit tops, and their willingness to participate in a community-driven solution.
These conversations helped me validate that my solution was relevant to the issues within our community, and helped me fine-tune it to be more fitting for our neighborhood. I had proposed a solution where community members would freeze food scraps like peels and tops of vegetables and fruits. At the end of each week, these scraps would be deposited at nearby collection sites. Volunteers would then transport the frozen scraps to local farms and shelters to be used as animal feed. This system not only aimed to reduce food waste but also provided volunteer opportunities for teens, parents, and the elderly, making it a community-driven effort.
The day of the competition was well anticipated. I was thrilled to learn that I had made it to the finals. Along with the other finalists, I watched our presentation videos, each showcasing innovative solutions to various environmental challenges.
During the break, as the judges deliberated, I had the chance to interact with fellow participants. The room was filled with passionate individuals, each committed to making a difference.
I was extremely happy to find out that I had won third place. It validated all of the work and showed me that it was possible to make this solution a reality.
But the experience was about more than just winning. I met incredible people who shared my passion for sustainability and environmental protection. The competition opened doors to new opportunities, allowing me to network and connect with individuals who inspired me. It made me realize that it is possible to make a difference, if only you have the commitment and drive to do so.
Participating in Green Ovation was an unforgettable experience. It reinforced my belief in the power of community-driven solutions and the importance of addressing food waste. The competition not only provided a platform to share my solution but also helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, I plan to continue working on my food waste solution, hoping to implement it within my community. The support and connections I gained from Green-Ovation have been invaluable, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me next. Thank you to everyone who supported and believed in my project—it’s only the beginning.
