Who Did You Interview?
- My graduate friend from my MBA program.
Demographics That Might Provide Helpful Context for Their Responses
- Age: 34
- Male
- Married
- Lives in Cyprus but studies in Lebanon
Key Findings from the Interview
- Since he lives in an urban area in Cyprus, he says that there isn't a proper waste disposal system in place, and he usually ends up throwing organic waste together with the regular waste (which bothers him).
- He believes we need to shift from traditional methods to more sustainable ones for the betterment of our planet and future generations.
- He has never used a composting system before, and the biggest barrier is a lack of space and suitable environment, considering his urban living situation.
Below are the (slightly shortened) original answers to the questions:
- Can you share your experience with managing organic waste at home? Do you deal with it a lot at home? What challenges have you faced from it?
Answer: As someone living in an urban area, managing organic waste is a challenge. There isn't a proper waste disposal system in place and we usually end up throwing organic waste together with the regular landfill waste. It's something that annoys me, especially since I understand the environmental impacts.
- Tell me about the last time you used a product (or service) to reduce the impact of organic waste in your home.
Answer: I tried using biodegradable waste bags once long ago. It was a challenge because there were no facilities nearby to dispose of them properly. It felt like a half-measure because the bags ended up in regular waste disposal sites.
- Can you describe how important sustainability and the use of eco-friendly methods in agriculture is to you, and why?
Answer: As someone who has an MBA, I like the importance of sustainability not just in terms of environment but also from a business perspective. In my opinion, sustainable and eco-friendly methods are the future of agriculture, and we need to shift from traditional methods to more sustainable ones for future generations.
- What are your hopes and expectations for a product such as a compact composting system in terms of reducing the use of harsh fertilizers?
Answer: If a composting system is accessible and user-friendly, I think it could play a big role in reducing the use of bad fertilizers. I hope that it will encourage more people to participate in waste reduction and in promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Have you ever used a composting system before? If yes, what were the positive and negative aspects of your experience? If not, what barriers or concerns might have kept you from trying?
Answer: I have not used a composting system before. The biggest barrier is a lack of space considering my urban living situation. There's also the concern about the process being messy which is something I’d prefer to avoid in my living space.
- Are there any fears or concerns you might have regarding the use of composting systems or similar products in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, or other factors? Can you elaborate on these concerns?
Answer: Cleanliness is probably my main concern. I would not want to create a situation where my home becomes unclean.