Research using Empathy

Research with Empathy

The United Nations SGD’s, the reason they were established.
In 2015, the United Nation member states adopted the seventeen sustainable development goals, which promote the end of poverty, objectives to protect our
planet, whilst promoting world peace and protecting our human and animal lives. Furthermore, the United Nations has an end goal of 2030 for completing all
ttasks for a sustainable future for our planet by 2030 (United Nations, 2023b).

a. UN Goal and Target:

12.5 By 2030, “. substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.” (United Nations, 2023b).
b. Aspect of the goal and target you are researching:
This research project is focusing on goal 12 and looking at the use of plastics in supermarkets, with a focus on the use of plastic in the wrapping and
packing of fruit and vegetables, as a part of my research, I attended my local Coles store in Greenwood to ascertain the amount of plastic being
used in store and the affect his might have on the environment and the general public.
c. Complete the table below. What/Who/How is this problem already being solved? Research three existing solutions (e.g., three

alternative apps, three alternative government programs, three alternative products).

Solutions that already exists: name of company or
provider
What are they providing?- be specific
Albert Heijns supermarket chain
(The Netherlands).
This supermarket in The
Netherlands is replacing all single
use plastic bags and providing
Nylon bags for their fruit and
Rimping Supermarket
(Thailand)
Rimping Supermarket Chain in
Thailand are using Banana
leaves to package many of
their fruit and vegatable lines,
Coles Supermarkets (Australia)
In July 2022, Western Australia
banned all single use plastic
bags, with Coles providing an
alternative with brown paper

Adapted from 10 STEAM Innovations Class Empathy Research Bec Mckinney Shenton College
 vegetables and paper bags for
general groceries (Albert Heijns,
2023).
Who are their target audience? – eg. age group / Households and businesses across
culture / government / school / community group the Netherlands who shop in their
stores on a regular basis (Albert
Heijns, 2023).
Are they free / what do they charge for this service or The Nylon bags will cost the
product?- what would it cost to access this solution? customers 30 cents. They still have
the option of free paper bags. The
Nylon bags will be free for those
of have goods delivered with
orders over 50 Euro. (Albert
Heijns, 2023).
What gaps do you see in their service or product? – Not available worldwide.
who misses out with this service?
Other insights
Adapted from 10 STEAM Innovations Class Empathy Research Bec Mckinney Shenton College
these include Chillies, spring bags which are biodegradable
onions, and peppers. Tied (Coles Supermarkets, 2023).
together with Bamboo to Shoppers have the option of
keep it all in place (Rimping bringing their own bags or
Supermarket, 2023). purchasing a variety of different
bags.
Their target audience is The target audience is both
domestic and business business and residential
consumers who shop at their consumers.
supermarkets on a regular
basis (Rimping, 2023).
Given the climate, and the Each reusable paper bag will cost
country Banana leaves are the consumer 20 cents.
readily available an in most
cases can be provided for
free. However, in more humid
climates, they more be more
expensive than plastic (Forbes
magazine, 2023).
Western countries like
Australia have not considered
using banana leaves, even
though bananas are grown
throughout regions in
Australia (Australian Banana
Growers Council, 2023).
The only problem with these is The Western Australian
the pricing stickers as the Government has not banned
banana leaves can be re-used produce bags yet, as they are
for cooking, its hard to considered barrier bags (Coles,
remove the price sticker, 2023). However, my local
 Rimping are looking are Greenwood Coles are trialling
currently sourcing a solution. heshen bags for fruit and veg
The product is biodegradable packing at a cost of 1.00 per bag
(Rimping, 2023). (Coles Supermarkets, 2023).

Adapted from 10 STEAM Innovations Class Empathy Research Bec Mckinney Shenton College