The Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D., announced the winners of the rx3 “Trash to Cash” competition. The competition called for third level students to turn recyclable waste into new products under the theme of ‘recreate’ or ‘play’. Carlow Institute of Technology came out on top at this year’s awards, with four of its students winning the top three prizes.
First Prize went to Cathal Sheridan (pictured) for his Hi-Cu Passive amplifier for iPhones made fromwood pallets provided by Abbott Ireland. The clever natural amp offers a convenient and energy saving way of sharing music.
Second prize was awarded to Shane McGuinness & Ian Hannon for their idea of the Eco Sound iPhone Amp made from cardboard.
Third Prize was awarded to Denis Tiryaki for Drop, a sustainable pendant lamp made from 100% woven recycled polypropylene salt bulk bags provided by Glanbia.
In this year’s competition there were a total of 33 entries which were shortlisted down to 10 entries who were invited to pitch and exhibit in the final of “Trash to Cash” at the Science Gallery. The winner, along with receiving an iPad and a cash prize, will now go on to work with members from the Institute of Designers in Ireland to develop their product further. The product will then go on sale in the Science Gallery Shop later on this year as a limited edition product. rx3 teamed up with Business in the Community Ireland (BITC) and the Science Gallery to host the third Trash to Cash competition. This year third level students across Ireland were challenged with creating a product from waste materials identified by BITC members Abbott Ireland, Bord Na Mona, Glanbia and Vodafone Ireland under the theme of ‘Recreate’.
“From an early stage in the programme, rx3 considered it crucial that upcoming and existing Irish product designers, engineers and scientists look at waste as a resource and use it in their products which is evident today among all of these innovative Recreate products created by the students,” said Minister for the Environment, Community & Local Government, Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. The Minister added that “in Ireland as across the whole of the European Union, the way we deal with waste is changing. This is both a necessity and an opportunity. It will be key to securing growth and jobs for Ireland and will bring economic opportunities, improve productivity, drive down costs and boost competitiveness”.
In 2010 approximately 82% of non hazardous waste collected in Ireland or 1,375,868 tonnes of recyclable materials (including paper, cardboard, plastics, aluminum cans, steel food tins, organic waste, textiles and glass) was exported abroad for processing. These items could be turned in to new products here in Ireland, creating employment and generating revenue in Ireland.
“The Trash to Cash competition was a great opportunity to engage students in sustainability and identify creative uses for some of our waste materials,” said Katharine Jensen, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager of Abbott and judge. “Safeguarding the environment is a key priority for Abbott and this competition aligns with our commitment to minimise impact on the global environment.”
The Trash to Cash Judging Panel consisted of representatives from rx3, the Science Gallery, Business in the Community Ireland, BITC members including Glanbia, Abbott Ireland, Bord na Mona and Vodafone; Philip Lee Solicitors, Institute of Designers in Ireland and the Department of the Environment, Community & Local Government.
The Winners and Commended Students are as follows:
- 1st prize winner –Cathal Sheridan, Carlow IT: Hi-Cu Amp
- 2nd prize winner – Shane McGuinness & Ian Hannon, Carlow IT: Eco-Sound
- 3rd prize winner – Denis Tiryaki, Carlow IT & HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd: Drop
- Stuart Scanlon and Greg O’Gorman, NUI Maynooth: Bottle Rocket Kit
- Vincent Derrien, DIT: Cloud Leaf
- Sean Darling, DIT: Ecofight Boxing Bag
- Aoife Grogan, Lucia Berlanga Vega, Eric Flannery and Kima Omara, UCD: Whis-Cycle Kit
- Donagh Kelly, Darragh Collopy and Michael Lillis, NUI Maynooth: Wellen
- Alan Grincell, Carlow IT: Chameleon
- Kate Sheppard, Carlow IT: Recreate Chemistry
