What Does Waste Mean to Us?

Our team’s focus is on urban household waste and its broader implications. We collected and analyzed waste data from households in Vietnam and Spain, examining food scraps, plastics, glass, and paper. Our goal was to explore waste not just as discarded items but as an entity tied to human behavior, culture, society, and environmental impact.

Our research also reveals striking differences in how the two countries look at waste: in Vietnam, waste is mostly organic, leading to strong odors and faster decomposition due to a lack of separation before disposal. In Spain, waste is more durable, with better-designed, recyclable packaging and stricter recycling practices. These contrasts highlight how cultural and systemic approaches shape waste management and environmental outcomes.

 We hope viewers will reflect on the relationship between humans, trash, and the environment. Is waste merely something we throw away, or is it a mirror reflecting our values, habits, and connection to the world around us? What does waste tell us about who we are and the legacy we leave behind?

Team 22: 

Vu Duc Minh - RMIT Vietnam

Thu Thuy Nguyen - RMIT Vietnam

Vy Huynh - RMIT Vietnam

Irene Casany - Elisava

Elisabet Puig - Elisava

Shanike Priyananda - RMIT Melbourne