Southern Cross University

Meeting the challenge at Southern Cross

A one-day student design challenge on circular economy and plastics was delivered to Southern Cross University students. The aim was to explore real life solutions to our plastic problems across different industries and sectors, raise awareness among students and come up with other creative ideas on how to tackle plastic waste. 

The day started with a presentation on the plastics ban from the EPA. This was followed by a panel discussion among Sanctus Brewing Company, reusable cup brand Green Caffeen, waste management provider Solo Resource Recovery, construction company Verdecon and representatives from Southern Cross University. They were asked questions around problems and innovations they see in their business/region. After this, students split into teams to work on solutions and present them back to an evaluation panel at the end of the day.

Some solutions included:

• incentives for reusable products
• environmentally friendly alternatives for packaging and other materials
• waste education and inductions
• repurposed materials
• company policy changes.

By delving deep into the problem and developing potential solutions alongside businesses experiencing the same problem, students were able to grow their entrepreneurial skills and share with their peers their knowledge around the importance of shifting away from harmful plastics. Students were also awarded with certificates from program partner Enactus.