This is Hangyi’s first blog. Today’s topic is CINQ 388.
1 Why did you join this program (motivation, prior interests)?
When I first received the emails from CSIF a long time ago, I was attracted by the program’s concept. It seems like a tough process, but I think it’s really rewarding. The word ‘impact’ is really unique and special to me. People are in contact with people or things around them all the time. And such a positive ‘impact’ that we could bring to others makes me feel great. In today’s fast-developing society, there are many unnecessary wastes and all kinds of garbage all over the world every day. As a member of this society, we are responsible for paying attention to and solving such problems. It helps us survive better.
Additionally, I am statistics major. Because statistics is a highly applied subject, everyone in this major is supposed to do many practical projects at ordinary times to train yourself to maintain excellence at the academic level and do practical projects, so I also think this is a good opportunity. Moreover, I think this is an exciting thing to find the law and essence of real things. And I am really excited to explore the principles behind some complex data and visualize them. These principles can really help us solve real-world problems and make our behavior more effective. And the CSIF program Provides me with the best way to explore these. I can actually improve my academic skills while participating in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development. My major is so closely related to these applications.
2 How do you envision this course making you a better student and professional?
The program a good opportunity to show and exercise talents. This is also a platform for us to make some good friends and to have a clearer understanding of our abilities every time we solve problems. It could help us make up for our own shortcomings, learn from others’ strengths, and set our life goals. In this project, I can apply the knowledge of data analysis that I learned in math class. In the classroom, The knowledge we learn is only in the basics, and it is a more difficult level to apply these skills. This is why I want to challenge myself and get more familiar with the application by practicing.
3 In my opinion, the most important thing for any recycling process to get started is to check if the mattresses are reusable and if they can be donated to someone in need.
Sorting the discarded mattresses according to the different materials and the reasons why people discard them would be the first step. There are three most common mattress materials people use：innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, and hybrid innerspring-foam mattresses. On average, mattresses should be replaced every 8 years. However, different types of mattresses tend to last at different times. For instance, hybrid innerspring-foam mattresses need to be replaced sooner, at around 6 years. Innerspring mattresses can last up to 10 years, while memory foam can last up to 15 years. We can categorize the mattresses first and check if their usage time exceeds our expected time. If it did, we could assume it is no longer usable and, since then, can not be reused.
And some people might discard the mattresses because the old one is no longer usable, while others might just have to move house and can not carry on the mattress. If we could request the old user to explain why they discord the mattresses before collecting them, it would save lots of time and human resources to check the quality of the mattress.
After the first step of categorizing all the mattresses, the remaining undetermined mattresses should be checked, and the usable ones can be donated and reused. There are 3 ways to donate the mattress. The most useful way is to find an organization or charity to donate the mattress. It is also a good choice to post dimensions and pictures online to publicize or place flyers on campus.
The remaining mattress would then be sent to the factory to be decomposite. The textile will be peeled and reused in the textile industry.
Generally, innerspring mattresses are the most popular. The top layer of innerspring mattresses consists of fabric padding that is filled with fibers or foam. The fibers could be turned to carpet underlayment. The spring tends to wear out fast and is easy to age that could rarely be reused. I will melt the spring, and the steel would finally go to a local scrap metal dealership. Wooden frame and fibers can be burned as an alternative fuel source. As for the memory foam mattresses, foam is relatively harder to reuse or sell. It is a better idea to clean and reshape them. They are really useful in our daily life.