A Spring 2019 DLab Case Study
Passionate about diminishing plastic waste, this design lab team focused on reducing plastic straw waste in restaurants, bars, and coffee shops across the Treasure Valley.
They conducted thorough research to discover a wide range of alternative straws most suitable for commercial use. They then used insights from local coffee shops already using eco-friendly straws to develop an online survey for local businesses. The survey encourages local businesses to use alternative straws rather than plastic in order to keep plastic waste out of oceans and landfills by asking the user a set of questions that will lead them to which straw alternative best fits their business, as well as where to buy them.
The design lab team implemented their solution by passing out business cards in downtown Boise which included a QR code with a link to the survey. The team hopes that this survey will serve as a tool for local businesses to make a conscious choice to discontinue single-use plastic straws.
Design Team: Claire W., Lydia A., Mia R., Reece H.
