Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) in Taiwan has held the Caring for the Environment Design Contest since 2014. The contest is held every two years to promote a less polluted and more sustainable society through eco-friendly products from young designers around the country. This year, a total of 1,149 entries cover designs related to waste reuse, sustainable cities, carbon reduction, etc. In addition, just in April, eleven designs were announced to be winners of the year. These winners are all revolutionary designs that address different aspects of environmental problems. Today, we are going to explore these outstanding designs in the contest. 

The first place in the contest was won by "BackToMarket Earthy Sneaker". The sneaker is made of 4 different types of agricultural waste which included stalks, bamboo, corn glucose, and oyster shell. However, its recycled material does not degrade its functions, instead, is also water-repellent, and breathable. This design not only reduces the cost of producing shoes but also helps farmers to clean up waste. According to the designer, every 50 pairs of Earthy Sneakers sold is equivalent to recycling 15kg of agricultural waste, making it a sustainable choice for consumers.

Spinne Rotary Collector won the first prize in public voting. Spinne rotary collector is a drill machine that collects abandoned fishing nets on the beach through the process of drilling into the sand. Cleaning up the abandoned fishing nets on the beach is important because fishing nets have violated the life of creatures in the intertidal zone like crabs, sea turtles, and sea stars. With this machine, Taiwan will be able to solve 2,300 tons of discarded fishing nets that remain on the beach. The recognition of this design through public voting reflects the growing awareness of the ecosystem of the intertidal zone among people. 

This contest not only rewards designers who strive for sustainable development but also inspires young people to invent products for the environment with their creativity. The result had been exhibited around the country from April to May. But don’t worry, you can still visit the online exhibition on the contest’s official website. You may also find the concept that interests you!