In a city which imports 99% of its food, farm-side harvesting, cooking and eating was a first-time life experience for many.
Excess heat in composting allows to hard-boil eggs, generate hot water and follow the magic transformation from decay to life.
Soil Trust was part of an established organic vegetable farm, utilizing a fallow farm plot for eco-social experimentation.
Volunteers conduct citizen-science field trial to explore how composted food waste can regenerate local soils and crops.
According to the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department, in 2022, approximately 3,300 tonnes of food waste were disposed of in landfills daily. With limited landfill space, the food waste problem has become a significant challenge in Hong Kong.
The Soil Trust project is addressing the food waste issue by experimenting with eco-friendly farming practices and community involvement. They are also developing the Growers Without Borders (泥玩無國界) service learning program. By combining eco-friendly farming practices with creative community involvement, Soil Trust promotes sustainable land management and tackles the critical issue of food waste. Through the Growers Without Borders program, Soil Trust encourages people from different backgrounds to participate in farming practices that help the environment, using kitchen scraps to enrich the soil. This joint effort reduces food waste, promotes a sense of responsibility towards the environment, and strengthens community bonds, providing a model for comprehensive urban sustainability in Hong Kong.
The project was recognised by the international board of directors formed by leaders in design, education, and social innovation. “The Soil Trust Soil-to-Soil Food Economies project shows great potential toward the vision of DNDA – a world where design embraces the well-being of humanity and encompasses diverse cultures, the environment, and all living beings,” said Prof. Don Norman, the renowned Distinguished Professor and Founder of the Design Lab at UC San Diego who is also co-founder of the Don Norman Design Award. “I applaud Soil Trust for their meaningful efforts. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the international panel of jurors who gave their valuable time to evaluate the submissions and select the award recipients.”
The DNDA promotes Humanity-Centered Design and recognises projects that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and aims to support early career practitioners and educational institutions. It provides acknowledgement, support, and tangible rewards for impactful contributions to design excellence. The Soil Trust project managed to stand out from nearly 100 participants worldwide.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Soil Trust Team for their outstanding work. This accomplishment highlights PolyU Design's dedication to advancing design education and research.
The members of Soil Trust Team include:
Principal Investigator, eco-social design:
Dr Markus WERNLI, Research Assistant Professor, PolyU Design
Co-investigator, eco-social design:
Mr CHAN Kam Fai, Lecturer, PolyU Design
Co-investigator, Farm Manager:
Shing Wai NG
Assistant Farm Manager:
Sin Ting LAM
Time-based documentation:
Josh Shui Wah WOLPER
| Research Units | School of Design |
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