The final solution is focused on creating a database and to do that we created a roadmap including 5 main stages identified 4 subcategories for each phase:

PHASE 1 Data collection 0-6 MONTHS

In the initial phase, of our project, that will take  between 0 and 6 months, we are implementing a sampling system and conducting routine health assessments of employees in a partnering company. We will have the first information and statistics about the concentration of microplastics and the health of the participants To achieve this, we will need to partner with the Green Hub NGO, worker unions, and research institutions. They will advise us how we can start implementing the solutions, how we can reach and convince the volunteers and will give legal support to start a project like this one.

Our project tackles an issue with a significant lack of awareness. Therefore, this phase involves not just the deployment of technologies but also a crucial need to encourage participation. This is particularly important for partnering with the first voluntary and involved enterprise.

To overcome these challenges, educational programs will be essential to raise awareness not only among companies but also among workers about the problem they are facing. The key points to convince them include:

  • For Workers: They will receive an exhaustive analysis of the microplastics they are consuming. This analysis will enable them to protect themselves better by understanding their exposure levels and potentially identifying the causes of their ailments earlier, which could lead to faster and more effective treatments.
  • For Enterprises: Awareness of the microplastics issue will help these companies anticipate future sanctions and legal issues. They could be held accountable for any health damages suffered by their workers due to microplastic exposure at work. Implementing a robust detection and prevention campaign will enable them to demonstrate their commitment to their workers’ well-being in Vietnam, enhancing their reputation. This will show the world that they are concerned not only about environmental pollution but also about preventing potential health issues.

This approach will facilitate gaining the necessary consent from users who will be providing their personal data for the project, along with the cooperation of the voluntary company. These consent forms will be accompanied by a «Buy-in» from the users to ensure that they are fully on board with and supportive of the treatment plans and agree to participate in the new system or technology.

It is crucial to emphasize and ensure that user data is secure and their personal information is safeguarded. Techniques like blockchain offer a secure and transparent way to record sensitive information. In healthcare, this could be used to manage patient records securely and ensure data integrity.

PARTNERS

NGOS - GREEN HUB/Better work Unions Research institutions

ACTIVITY

Collect data MP + Health statistics

pROBLEM

Lack of awareness of topic
Encouraging participation
Enterprise partner

HOW

Consent forms User education
“Buy in” from user (access to healthycare)
Advanced technology (block chain)

PHASE 2 Analysis 6-18 MONTHS

From the 6th to the 18th month, the second stage of our project will be rolled out. This stage involves analyzing the data collected so far while continuing to gather more information. The analysis of this data is crucial for building our database, identifying initial trends and statistics, and making preliminary predictions.

This phase is a direct continuation and expansion of the work done previously, so our partnerships will remain the same. However, this stage goes beyond merely collecting results; it necessitates interpreting and analyzing the data to draw meaningful conclusions, corroborate hypotheses, and make the findings understandable to others. It will be essential to identify trends and validate assumptions to reach these conclusions.

To overcome these challenges, we will employ Visifiber Tech. With the trend reports generated, we plan to share them with experts and researchers who can assist in extracting insightful conclusions. These findings will then be presented in a way that is easy for others to understand. This approach will ensure that the results are used as validation elements for our project, bolstering its credibility and persuading others of its importance and effectiveness. The goal is to make the process and outcomes as accessible and comprehensible as possible to all stakeholders involved.

PARTNERS

NGOS - GREEN HUB/Better
work Unions Research institutions

ACTIVITY

Collect data MP + Health statistics
Data analysis

pROBLEM

Identify trends
Validate assumptions

HOW

Use of Visifibre tech
Share results with researchers
Create trend reports

PHASE 3 Standardisation Approx. 18 MONTHS

In the third phase (aproximetly on the 18th month) of our project, we will significantly expand our scope by involving governments, international organizations, and major brands to provide legal and financial support. This collaboration is vital for enhancing the impact and reach of our initiatives. The partnership with these entities will not only lend credibility to our efforts but also open doors to resources and expertise that are crucial for long-term success.

During this stage, the valuable information we have gathered and analyzed will be utilized to create benchmarks. These benchmarks will serve as standard measurements or indicators against which the effectiveness of various interventions and policies can be assessed. By establishing clear and reliable benchmarks, we aim to guide and improve practices across the industry.

Additionally, we will develop comprehensive educational programs using the insights gained from our research. These programs will be designed to raise awareness about the risks associated with microplastic exposure and promote healthier and safer practices. The educational content will target a wide range of audiences, including industry workers, company executives, policymakers, and the general public, ensuring that the knowledge disseminated is both accessible and actionable.

One of the primary challenges we face is the need for substantial resources to advance our goals. To tackle this, we will actively engage with both international and national governments to secure funding. This funding is essential not only for continuing our research and analysis but also for implementing the solutions we’ve identified.

Another critical issue is the necessity to align with and possibly influence government benchmarks and policies. By involving these governmental bodies, we can ensure that our work contributes to shaping laws and regulations at both the national and international levels. This alignment is crucial for creating a legal framework that supports our objectives and facilitates broader change across industries.

Furthermore, we recognize the importance of involving enterprises in our efforts. Businesses play a pivotal role in both contributing to and solving the problem of microplastic pollution. By engaging with them, we can develop practical solutions that are grounded in industry realities and have a direct impact on reducing microplastic exposure.

The solutions to these challenges are multi-faceted. First, involving international and national governments for funding will provide us with the financial backbone necessary to expand our initiatives. Second, aligning our efforts with international and national laws ensures that our work is not only compliant with current regulations but also contributes to legislative advancements in environmental and public health policy.

Finally, a central aspect of our approach is to align our project with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focusing on health and innovation. By doing so, we ensure that our work not only addresses the immediate issue of microplastic pollution but also contributes to broader global objectives of sustainable development and public health.

PARTNERS

NGOS - GREEN HUB/Better work
Unions
Research institutions
Government
Enterprises, Partners (big brands)
International organisations (UN)

ACTIVITY

Collect data
MP + Health statistics
Educational program for workers
and unions
Build benchmarks

pROBLEM

Resources
Harness government benchmarks
Enterprises

HOW

Involve International and national
governments for funding
International and national laws
Health and innovation to meet
SDG goals

PHASE 4 Impact 3-5 years

The fourth phase of our project, between the third and the fifth year, is centered on enforcing the responsibilities of factories and enterprises in addressing microplastic pollution. Our focus will be on suggesting practical solutions informed by our analysis and identified trends. Examples of such solutions include the use of masks, filters, and insurance policies. These measures will not only initiate a prevention system to protect workers but also provide an opportunity to study the effectiveness of different methods. By using advanced technology, we can determine which prevention strategies are most effective for future implementation.

Furthermore, we will launch a global social campaign, advancing our technology to make it more efficient, faster, and user-friendly. This enhancement in technology will facilitate engagement with enterprises. It is at this stage that we can begin to introduce other techniques, such as Advanced Personal Sampling (Visimetre), to gather more precise data.

Addressing the problems in this phase involves tackling the liability of factories and enterprises, urging governments to enforce regulations more stringently, and securing additional funding for technological advancements. Our solutions are multi-dimensional and involve social Campaigns. We will initiate social campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of microplastics and the responsibility of industrial entities. These campaigns will aim to shift public opinion and create a conducive environment for change.

Moreover, engaging with the media is a strategic move to amplify our message. The media’s involvement can play a significant role in educating the public, influencing policymakers, and holding enterprises accountable.

Partnering with Research Institutions and International Organizations will provide us with the necessary expertise and support to refine our strategies and validate our findings. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that our approaches are grounded in scientific research and global best practices.

Finally a framing certification for factories and enterprises to  set standards for responsible practices and serve as an incentive for compliance. It also offers a way for consumers to identify and support businesses that are committed to safe and sustainable practices.

 

PARTNERS

NGOS - GREEN HUB/Better work
Unions
Research institutions
Government
Enterprises, Partners (big brands)
International organisations (UN)
Social Justice organisations

ACTIVITY

Collect data
MP + Health statistics
Enforce responsibility in factories and enterprises
Suggest possible solutions (masks, filters, insurance)
Advanced personal sampling - Visimetre

pROBLEM

Liablity for factories and enterprises
Government to enforce regulations
More funding for technology

HOW

Social campaigns
Involve media
Research institutions
International Organisations
Framing certification

NEXT STEPS +5 years

Global adoption: educational programs, social movements
Awareness
Allow workers to access data collected for future insurance claims