ReLeaf

Inspiration

According to a report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism sector accounted for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions in 2019 despite the pandemic, which is equivalent to around 4.5 gigatons of CO2. This makes the tourism industry one of the significant contributors to carbon emissions globally. As the industry continues to grow, it is crucial to address these emissions to ensure sustainable and responsible tourism practices. We wanted to tackle this issue head-on by creating ReLeaf.

What it does

Provides users with a "one-stop-shop" platform for travelling sustainably. Allows the user to input a desired destination and outputs the most eco-friendly, cost-efficient and available flight, hotel and activities. It shows how much carbon emissions they save, as well as the ability for them to sign in, collect points and save trips.

How we built it

Frontend

The front-end was written in React.js and styled using TailwindCSS. HTML and SCSS also formed parts of the UI.

Backend/Database

For the backend, a Javascript/Typescript Express server runs as a Docker container hosted on Google Cloud Run (to greatly streamline the workflow and reduce the need for debugging). MongoDB serves as the database for user and trip information storage and is hosted using Atlas.

APIs/Other

Multiple Google APIs give the application its functionality– the Maps API was used to embed an interactive map, while Nearby Search was done through the Places API. For data on flight emissions, we used Playwright, implementing browser automation to scrape data from Google Flights regarding carbon emissions and costs. Auth0 served as a means of implementing secure user authentication through Google with JWT. Oh, and domain.com for the domain name.

Challenges we ran into

For one, information on flight carbon emissions is not easily accessible; Google shut down their Travel Impact Model API, while other providers are paywalled. As a workaround, we used Playwright to automate a browser and scrape information from the Google Flights site. Moreover, getting the Auth0 workflow to integrate with our MongoDB database in order to work with user profile retrieval/registration was tricky and took a considerable amount of tinkering.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Throughout the development of ReLeaf, we overcame numerous challenges and achieved several accomplishments that we are extremely proud of. One of our proudest achievements is the successful integration of multiple APIs to create a seamless and user-friendly platform. Our use of Playwright to overcome the lack of accessible flight carbon emissions data showcases our resourcefulness and determination to create a unique and valuable product. Additionally, we're proud of our ability to implement secure user authentication with Auth0 and MongoDB, which enhances the overall user experience and promotes a sense of community among eco-conscious travellers. Lastly, we were proud to create a platform that allows positive social impact in the world around us, no matter how small. We hope to continue scaling ReLeaf and forming a community of like-minded people that are willing to help us make travel more sustainable.

What we learned

This project has been an invaluable learning experience, teaching us a variety of technical and problem-solving skills. Firstly, we gained experience in utilizing multiple APIs, database manipulation, cloud deployment, web scraping and integrating them to create a unified platform, which significantly improved our understanding of API capabilities and limitations. The implementation of Playwright for web scraping taught us the importance of adaptability and innovation when facing roadblocks. Additionally, we learned the intricacies of secure user authentication by integrating Auth0 with our MongoDB database, expanding our knowledge of security best practices. Finally, we honed our front-end development skills using React.js and TailwindCSS to create a responsive and visually appealing user interface. Overall, this project has not only equipped us with new technical skills but also instilled in us the value of persistence, collaboration, and creativity in problem-solving.

What's next for ReLeaf

Ability to redeem points in exchange for discounts or other awards
Form partnerships will travel agencies and other travel brands to incentivize travellers and corporations to have a stronger focus on sustainability.
A better UI/UX
Multiple methods of signing in (Ex. Facebook, Twitter etc.)
Create a space within the platform where users can share their experiences, tips, and best practices for sustainable travel. This would foster a sense of community and encourage knowledge-sharing among eco-conscious travellers.
Continuously improve the platform's accessibility and inclusivity features, ensuring that it caters to a diverse range of users with different needs and preferences.