A&D ANNUAL 2021

Noor Elmubasher

Environmental and health issues within the sustainability challenge become the primary motivation to overcome the stigma of entomophagy. Problems stem from the need to resolve the ecological damage inflicted by the agriculture industry alongside the health risks of following restrictive diets. ‘Buggy Box’ is a meal-kit that inspires individuals to make lifestyle changes for environmental and health prosperity by normalising insect-based food products focusing on cricket powder. The design activism framework guides this project with its non-aggressive approach of making healthier choices for users. Though the research methodology was initially a cultural probe, the Sydney lockdown and tumultuous nature of restrictions saw the project transform into a co-design activity among family members in a shared home environment.The meal kit is designed for a lemon loaf, aiming to waive the negative connotations and unfamiliarity of using insects as a source of protein by presenting a familiar experience similar to baking. The kit contains dry ingredients, a shopping list of accessible ingredients, a lemon loaf recipe card, a baking tray, and a coaster for a drink to complement the kit. The project's logo highlights a citrus flavour and crickets as the main elements of the meal kit.