EcoCup

Tech-Driven Solutions to Address the Dual Threat of Paper Cups – Environmental Problems (Microplastic and Single-Use Plastic Pollution) and Health Risks

Challenge Overview

EcoCup is a project aimed at tackling the dual threat posed by paper cups, focusing on both environmental problems—such as microplastic and single-use plastic pollution—and health risks. Through tech-driven solutions, EcoCup fosters innovation by developing educational tools, promoting sustainable alternatives, and inspiring behavioral change within communities.

The project’s goal is to raise awareness about the harmful effects of paper cup consumption and provide users with actionable insights for making more sustainable choices.

Screenshots

Here's a glimpse of the EcoCup Rethink website in action:

Home Page	Home Page 2	Home Page 3

Phases Page	SignUp Page	Dashboard-Overview

Dashboard-LeaderBoard	Solution Page	Solution Page

Installation

1. Clone the Repository

git clone <repository_url>
cd <project_directory>

2. Install Dependencies

npm install

3.Start the Development Server

npm run dev

Tech Stack

This project utilizes the following technologies:

• Frontend:

  • React: A JavaScript library for building user interfaces.
  • Framer Motion: A motion library for building dynamic and interactive user interfaces.
  • Tailwind CSS: A utility-first CSS framework for rapid and efficient styling.

• Build Tool:

  • Vite: A fast and modern build tool for web development.

• Package Manager:

  • npm: Node Package Manager for managing project dependencies.

Environmental Impact of Disposable Paper Cups

Phases of Environmental Impact: This document outlines the lifecycle of a disposable paper cup and its associated environmental impacts.

1. Raw Material Extraction:

   • Deforestation: Tree cutting for wood pulp leads to deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline.
   • Petroleum Extraction: Production of plastic lining (polyethylene) involves extracting and refining petroleum, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

2. Manufacturing Process:

   • High Energy Consumption: Manufacturing requires significant energy from fossil fuels, further increasing carbon emissions.
   • Water Usage: Paper production is water-intensive, contributing to water scarcity in some regions.
   • Chemical Pollution: Use of chemicals like bleach releases harmful byproducts into the environment.

3. Transportation:

   • Carbon Footprint: Transporting cups from manufacturing to distribution and end-users generates significant carbon emissions.

4. Usage Phase:

   • Short Lifespan: Designed for single-use, leading to a massive volume of waste.

5. Disposal Phase:

   • Landfill Pollution: Plastic lining prevents biodegradation, leading to long-term landfill contamination and methane emissions.
   • Low Recycling Rates: Difficulty in separating plastic and paper components hinders recycling efforts.
   • Ocean Pollution: Improper disposal contributes to plastic pollution in oceans, harming marine life.

6. Long-Term Impact:

   • Microplastic Pollution: Plastic lining degrades into microplastics, contaminating soil and water, and entering the food chain.
   • Resource Depletion: Non-recyclable nature leads to the waste of valuable resources (trees, water, energy).

Solutions:

• Reusable Smart Cups:

  • Temperature-maintaining smart cups with tracking capabilities.
  • Encourage reuse, reduce waste, and monitor environmental impact.
  • IoT-enabled usage tracking and lifetime warranty.

• Plant-Based Cups:

  • 100% biodegradable cups made from renewable plant materials.
  • Eliminate harmful chemicals and reduce carbon footprint.
  • Fully compostable and carbon-negative production.

• Community Cup Program:

  • Shared cup program with smart tracking and rewards for sustainable choices.
  • Foster community engagement and incentivize sustainable behavior.
  • Reward points system, community achievements, and impact tracking.

License

MIT License

Copyright (c) 2025 Suraj Sakhare

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software.

THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE.