NARRATIVE INTERVIEW

    Last week, our team underwent significant changes in our startup business based on feedback from our BMC proposal panelists. To find out what people would like to see as sustainable alternatives to plastic cups on campus, us first-year agriculture students conducted a series of interviews. Our interviews with the respondents yielded insightful information about their viewpoints and worries, which helped us test theories and identify potential adoption roadblocks.

Interview 1: Intrigued by our proposal, our first interviewee asked us straight away how much our bagasse-based cups would cost. When they found out the pricing was between ₱5 and ₱10, they wanted to help us with this project. This exchange supported our theory that consumer desire to adopt eco-friendly items is significantly influenced by affordability. 

Interview 2: The second interviewee was hesitant at first, questioning our cups' utility and longevity in comparison to conventional plastic cups. Their reluctance, however, subsided as we reassured them that our solution could tolerate both hot and cold beverages, proving that removing consumer uncertainties can boost interest and possibly lead to adoption. 

Interviewee 3: While enthusiastic about our idea, our third interviewee pointed out a possible roadblock: the franchise owner or business, not specific franchisees, has the last say in decisions. This interaction emphasized how crucial it is to interact with influential parties and decision-makers in order to secure support and encourage the broad adoption of sustainable practices.

   Tested Hypothesis: Our theory was that by providing consumers with an economical, robust, and eco-friendly substitute for plastic cups, we could attract their interest and support and eventually help to reduce the amount of single-use plastics on campus. Found Results: Based on the information gathered from our interviews, we have determined that consumer desire to adopt sustainable alternatives is significantly influenced by affordability, functionality, and stakeholder participation. Overcoming adoption hurdles and advancing sustainable practices require addressing concerns, offering assurances, and encouraging cooperation with decision-makers. .

    We decided to modify the size of our product to 16oz to align with the standard size sold in coffee shops at CMU. Additionally, we opted to adjust the price to ensure competitiveness in the market. After validation, we settled on selling it for 175 pesos per 50 pieces, a decision we believe will generate sufficient profit and revenue. These adjustments reflect our commitment to learning from past experiences and embracing suggestions to enhance our product. Our aim is to create not only a sustainable solution but also one that catalyzes broader positive change. To sum up, our experimentation with bagasse-based goods shows potential in resolving the urgent problem of plastic waste on campus. We can create a more sustainable future by interacting with stakeholders and learning about consumer preferences.