Start with a Problem you See in your Community

Below are some problems that you might consider as you get started…

You might already have an idea you want to develop for the KATU Innovation Challenge. That is great, your team can submit any idea that helps reduce carbon emissions. You can use the problem statements below if they are helpful, or develop your own solution to a different problem.

All Ideas Are Welcome!

Eliminate Single-Use Plastic

While plastic is an extraordinary material with many uses, it’s not a sustainable option for one-time use. Plastics can threaten animal wildlife and delicate ecosystems immediately after use, while microplastics (chemical and toxic particles) can continue to compromise environments up to 450 years after disposal.

How Might We:

  • Eliminate plastic use in food products?

  • Generate as little plastic as possible?

  • Find the best use for plastic that we have already used?

 

Expanding Access to Electric Vehicles Systems

Today’s transportation relies heavily on the use of petroleum. In Oregon, 40% of carbon emissions are created by the use of personal cars & trucks. Alternatively, the electrification of the transportation sector is believed to be a viable, cost effective way to dramatically reduce carbon emissions and improve local air quality.

How Might We:

  • Create equitable access to electric vehicles?

  • Inspire increased usage of electric vehicles?

  • Utilize electric vehicles in new & innovative ways?

 

Ensure Clean Fresh Water is Available

High water stress – the withdrawal of too much fresh water from natural sources compared with the fresh water available – can have devastating consequences for the environment. 

How Might We:

  • Find ways to use less water?

  • Find ways to sanitize and recycle water that has been used?

  • Minimize harmful toxins that get into water sources?

 

Make Cities Safe and Fun

With cities on lockdown, open public spaces are in much higher demand. As with public transport, equitable access to open and public spaces contributes to enhanced productivity and healthy communities.

How Might We:

  • Create new and novel community green spaces?

  • Expand access to safe and inclusive green public spaces?

  • Create safe affordable transportation systems for everyone? 

 

Be a Responsible Consumer

The world continues to use natural resources at an unsustainable rate. There is great urgency for lifestyle changes to reduce the burden on our planet.

How Might We:

  • Encourage sustainable lifestyles and reduced consumerism?

  • Extend the lifespan of the products we use (clothes, electronics, furniture, toys) through up-cycling?