“1.3 billion tons of food wasted every single year. Food waste is one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emission.” Driven by their commitment to address a global and local environmental issue, students from New Jersey embarked on a mission to combat food waste and its impact on climate change. Under the mission to create a solution that reduces waste and promotes sustainability, the high schoolers created the Bugalo Bioreactor, a revolutionary food waste management system centered around the black soldier fly.

Their journey commenced with the submission of their innovative idea to Samsung Solve for Tomorrow. Amongst fierce competition, the Bugalo Bioreactor stood out, earning national recognition for its potential to revolutionize waste management practices.

Solution from nature

Princeton High School students in New Jersey took on a weighty issue that had long been sidelined: food waste and its profound effect on climate change. In their community, just like many others, tons of discarded food ended up in landfills, releasing harmful emissions into the air.

During their research, these high schoolers stumbled upon an unexpected hero for their cause—the black soldier fly. “These flies are amazing recyclers. They can break down almost any kind of food, no matter its state of decomposition,” the team explained. “We crafted bioreactors using recycled materials, filling them with food waste and black soldier fly larvae, capable of decomposing basically any organic material.”

Elija Meier, one of the students involved, said, “Being part of the Solve for Tomorrow was eye-opening. Interacting with sustainability experts and witnessing our ability to collaborate on solutions gave me hope. It sparked an interest in me to explore similar avenues in different aspects of my life, knowing that positive change is not only feasible but within our grasp.”

Eco-enterprising

The students’ initiative didn’t stop at addressing food waste but also created a sustainable business model. The students have built an enterprise around the production and sale of the natural oils and other products derived from their food waste processing system. The revenue generated doesn’t just benefit their school’s STEM program but also solidifies their commitment to environmental impact.

Mark Eastburn, the team’s mentor and STEM teacher at the school, has seen firsthand how this project transformed the students involved. He emphasized that this experience has empowered them to think beyond consumption and step into entrepreneurship. He noted, “The fact that students can create and market their products has been incredibly empowering.”

Yugandhara Luthra, a student participant, stressed the project’s significance in showcasing the youth’s potential to tackle complex environmental issues. “As a high school student, it’s easy to think you can’t make a difference until you’re older. But being part of this project has proven that even as a teenager, a bit of science and teamwork can drive environmental progress!”

This project led by high school students from the United States exemplifies the immense potential of young minds committed to solving our world’s most critical challenges. It highlights the vital role of educational programs that foster innovation among youth, with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow positioned at the lead in providing such transformative education worldwide.