WasteWell

Throw away less... and give away things

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TLDR: WasteWell: A sustainable marketplace app empowering users to recycle and share items. Built with Expo and React Native for frontend, Firebase for auth and storage, Node.js with Express for backend, and MongoDB for the database. Faced challenges with Firebase integration and adapting to React Native. Proud of our technical achievements and the learning curve we overcame. Next steps include expanding features and enhancing AI capabilities for better object recognition.

WasteWell

Inspiration

In the face of growing environmental challenges, our team at WasteWell was inspired to make a tangible difference. We recognized the immense potential of technology in driving sustainable practices and reducing waste. Our project is born out of a desire to combat unhealthy consumer culture by empowering individuals to participate actively in an eco-friendly lifestyle.

What it does

WasteWell is not just an app; it's a gateway to a more sustainable future. Our platform uses cutting-edge technology to help users give away or recycle their unused items with ease. Users can simply take a picture of an item, and our AI assistant, powered by advanced image recognition, tags it accurately (e.g., "shoes," "books"). These items are then listed on a marketplace, accessible for others to use, fostering a community of sharing and recycling. Our innovative points system rewards users for their eco-friendly actions, encouraging a cycle of sustainability.

How we built it

WasteWell is a blend of various powerful technologies:

  • Frontend: Developed with Expo and React Native, our app offers a seamless and intuitive user interface.
  • Authentication and File Storage: We integrated Firebase Auth and Firebase File Store for secure user authentication and efficient file management.
  • Backend: Our server-side operations are handled by Node.js with Express, ensuring robust and scalable performance.
  • Database: We chose MongoDB for our database needs, given its flexibility and effectiveness in handling diverse data types.

Challenges we ran into

Our journey was marked by several challenges:

  • Firebase Complexity: Despite its powerful features, integrating Firebase into our system was complex and required significant effort.
  • React Native Learning Curve: Even with our background in React, adapting to React Native presented unexpected challenges, especially in terms of UI design and native functionalities like routing.
  • Managing Ambitions: We started with many big ideas, and narrowing them down to a feasible scope was a tough but necessary part of our process.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Despite the obstacles, we are proud of what we achieved:

  • Successfully integrating diverse technologies like Firebase, React Native, Node.js, and MongoDB.
  • Creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing UI with React Native.
  • Overcoming the steep learning curves and successfully implementing complex functionalities.

What we learned

This project was a tremendous learning opportunity for us. We deepened our understanding of React Native and Firebase. We also learned the importance of scope management in a project – balancing big ideas with practical implementation strategies.

What's next for WasteWell

Our vision for WasteWell goes beyond this hackathon. We see potential for further development and refinement. We aim to expand our user base, add more features, and continue enhancing the AI capabilities for better object recognition and categorization. Our ultimate goal is to see WasteWell become a key player in promoting sustainable living globally.

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