Food waste is a significant problem globally, with only 1.6% of it being recycled. The majority ends up in landfills or waste incinerators, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. To address this issue, Ying-Yi Hsieh designed Green Eater, a composting machine that converts food waste into valuable compost pellets.
What sets Green Eater apart is its ability to compress food waste to just 5% of its original size. The machine utilizes a Screw Cylinder for fast drying, transforming the waste into compost pellets that can be conveniently used to fertilize flowers and plants. The computerized program ensures energy consumption efficiency, making Green Eater an environmentally friendly choice.
One of the standout features of Green Eater is its transparent compost pellet holder. This allows users to witness the transformation of food waste into valuable compost, symbolizing the transition from "dead to alive." It serves as a reminder of the importance of recycling and the impact individuals can make in their daily lives.
Green Eater is made using cutting-edge technologies such as Silicone Nitride Ceramic Heating Element and Brushless Motor. These, combined with engineering plastic materials like PBT and PC, create a durable and waterproof structure. The machine can be easily washed in the sink, ensuring low maintenance and long-lasting performance.
With dimensions of 210mm (L) x 210mm (W) x 418mm (H), Green Eater is compact and suitable for any kitchen. It operates on either 120V, 60Hz or 230V, 50Hz power input, consuming 1.2 Amp on 120V and 0.6 Amp on 230V.
The Green Eater project began in December 2014 in Milan, Italy, and was completed in May 2016 in Taipei, Taiwan. Extensive research was conducted to develop a solution that could convert food waste into compost pellets within a few hours, as opposed to the weeks required by traditional composting methods.
Ying-Yi Hsieh faced several challenges during the design process, including creating innovative mechanical engineering structures and developing the operating software. The goal was to design a product that seamlessly integrated into any home environment while effectively converting food waste into valuable compost.
Green Eater has received recognition for its outstanding design and contribution to sustainability. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Home Appliances Design category in 2017. This prestigious accolade acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and a commitment to improving quality of life.
By introducing Green Eater, Ying-Yi Hsieh has provided individuals with a practical and eco-friendly solution to combat food waste. With its unique properties and innovative design, Green Eater empowers users to take an active role in environmental preservation, one compost pellet at a time.
Project Designers: Ying-Yi Hsieh
Image Credits: Image #1: Ying-Yi Hsieh, June 2016
Image #2: Ying-Yi Hsieh, June 2016
Image #3: Ying-Yi Hsieh, June 2016
Image #4: Ying-Yi Hsieh, June 2016
Image #5: Ying-Yi Hsieh, June 2016
Project Team Members: Ying-Yi Hsieh
Wen-Yin Chen
Project Name: Green Eater
Project Client: Ying-Yi Hsieh