Description:

plant Me is a sustainable DIY plant-growing kit that uses strong wool as its core material.

Designed for children and families, it offers a simple, hands-on way to connect with nature and experience sustainability in everyday life.

Strong wool is a natural and abundant material in New Zealand but is currently underutilised due to declining demand. Its breathability, moisture retention, and biodegradability make it ideal for plant cultivation.

plant Me replaces plastic with natural materials, using wool germination mats, wool sponges, seed packaging made from recycled pulp, and wooden trays coated with beeswax—all of which are biodegradable or compostable.

From early prototyping to material testing, the design process prioritised minimising environmental impact while ensuring that the experience was intuitive and enjoyable.

The wool basket structure was refined through repeated testing to balance durability with sustainability. Feedback from user testing also helped improve the usability, packaging, and guidebook layout.

To extend the user experience, a mobile app was developed to accompany the kit.

It allows users to record plant growth, log daily observations, and create personalised gardening routines. Through this process, a simple growing activity becomes a small, lasting habit of care and reflection.

plant Me combines educational value with sustainable design. It encourages people to reconnect with natural materials in their daily lives.

More than just a plant kit, it represents a small, practical step toward embedding sustainability into everyday behaviour.