University of Idaho Sustainability Center Request for Proposals

Title:
Developing a Living Wall from Recycled Plastic Bottles

PI/ Team leader:

Address:
Email:
Major:
College:
Level in school:
Expected Graduation Date:
Academic advisor:

Cody Willmore
207 S Asbury St, Apt C Moscow, ID 83843
will1010@vandals.uidao.edu
Environmental Science
University of Idaho
Senior
May, 2016
Jodie Johnson-Maynard

Project Dates:

1/20/15 4/26/15

Project Advisor:
Email:

Dr. Johnson-Maunard,
jmaynard@uidaho.edu

Amount Requested

$1324.14

Synopsis:
The project focuses on recovering plastic bottles from the community. Specifically, plastic
bottles deposited at the local recycling center. The idea is to transform plastic bottles into
plant containers and decrease the amount of discarded plastic-waste, while encouraging
sustainable choices within the community. Once a living wall is assembled, the public
determines which vegetation to plant.

Advisor Confirmation:
I commit to working with Cody Willmore throughout the project mentioned above and find
him capable of completing the tasks involved. The study fits the goals of his academic plan as
well.

Academic Advisor Signature

Academic Advisor Print

Project Advisor Signature

Project Advisor Print

Project Goals and Activities

Goals and description:
The idea is to collect plastic bottles from various locations, and construct a planter utilizing
these bottles, as well reuse other material discarded. The structure will be used to educate
the community alternatives to discarding trash by instead converting waste into practical
uses. The community will decide which type of vegetation is preferred per location, and select
whither to plant edible varieties or plants for visual purposes. The goal is to engage public
participation within sustainable practices, and decrease the amount of discarded plastics.
With three volunteers plus me, we will collect plastic bottles from trashcans and the recycling
center and gather wooden pallets from local companies. The time spent collecting materials
will be four hours on a weekday. This should optimize communication with local business
managers, and support participation from the community.
Project Outcomes:
The expected outcome of this project is to get as many people involved within the
community as possible, and increase sustainable practices. Long-term effects will be
reduction of plastic waste and other non-recyclable materials.
Outreach approach:

The information will be printed out on posters and placed next to the planters. With approval
from Moscows city council, a link will be set up on the City of Moscow website home page
that will provide instructions for creating a green wall.
Participation and Support:
Help from the IT department will help make the web link and webpage and student volunteers
will help with the graphics for the posters. The University of Idaho Environmental club will
help educate and inform the public.
Project Administration:
The timeline for the project is from January 20, 2015 to April 26, 2015. The first month
January will be used to meet with volunteers and plan with Moscow City Council on a
designated location to initiate development, along with scheduling with local businesses
interested in participating. The second month February will be spent drafting different
designs submitted from participating groups, and collaborating different suggestions for
different sections. February will also be spent figuring which plants are of interest for each
participant. The third month March will be used for gathering material and fabricating
selected structures. The fourth month April will be used installing the different structures.
April will also include inviting local groups to come visit and learn the sustainable function of
these green walls. The website will also be set up in April. A meeting every 7 days will be set
up to determine the status of the project. In addition, a meeting with the UISC will be set up
the first week of May to discuss the communal interests, and different opportunities to
further educate the public.

Plan for Future Action:

The project will continue to give back as citizens are encouraged to find new ways to reuse
other materials, decreasing the quantity of plastics and other material thrown away.
Students of University of Idaho will also be able to assist by inviting student lead clubs to
participate in constructing green walls for the public. In the future, business donations will
be used to fund the project.
Evaluation:
The project can be evaluated by determining how many green walls and similar structures are
developed within the town. Multiple volunteers can walk around the town and indicate the
number of sustainable projects from either visually inspecting or by contacting the
homeowner, which allows an understanding of active participation.

Team Member Qualifications and Interest:

The volunteers for the study need to be able to work with basic tools, including, drills, saws,
and hammers. Each member will be tasked to collect material and help build planters from
different materials. A student who is studying either computer science or some other
computer-based programming will build the website. A student studying art will also design
the posters. This program will give volunteers opportunity to further develop construction
skills, as well allowing the students working both the website and the poster experience
within their field of study. This project also allows further development within leadership for
the team leader.

Budget:
The bulk of the budget will go to supplies for constructing the planters, and purchasing
planting material. We will need to purchase some fliers and poster in order to display the
information.
Materials and Supplies
1.5in Nails:
1in PVC Pipe:
Sponge:
Potting Mix:
Plant Starts:
Printing Costs:

Cost
$86.00
$47.32
$20.00
$200.82
$750.00
$220.00

Total:

$1324.14