Plastic Noon Gotheh
Environmental sustainability mobile app with NFC-enabled reusable bags and rewards system to reduce single-use plastic in Male', Maldives
Technologies Used
Project Tags
“Plastic Noon Gotheh” was a pioneering environmental project aimed at reducing single-use plastic bag consumption in Male’. Developed for the Maldives Authentic Crafts Cooperative Society (MACCS) and funded by GEF through UNDP, the initiative introduced a technology-driven rewards system to incentivize sustainable shopping habits.
Core Features
- Smart Reusable Bags: NFC-enabled reusable shopping bags that allowed users to track their usage.
- Mobile Rewards App: A companion app for iOS and Android where users could accumulate points for using the bags and redeem them for rewards like mobile data.
- Partner Integration: The system was integrated with retail partners (STO People’s Choice) and reward partners (Dhiraagu).
Technical Implementation
- Mobile Apps: Cross-platform mobile applications for iOS and Android built with React Native.
- Custom Hardware: The system utilized custom-built hardware based on the ESP32 microcontroller to read the NFC tags at checkout counters.
- NFC Integration: The apps and hardware were built around NFC technology to create a seamless link between the physical bags and the digital rewards system.
Impact and Innovation
The project successfully demonstrated how technology can drive positive environmental behavior change, achieving a significant reduction in plastic bag usage during its pilot phase. It was an innovative “tech for good” initiative, combining custom hardware, NFC, and a mobile rewards platform to tackle a critical local environmental issue. The model served as a strong proof-of-concept for future sustainability projects in the Maldives.