BUGHOUSE APPLICATION

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Our dedication to promoting edible insects as food for the future has been ongoing since the beginning of EcoSave. During the process, we felt that creating an application that collected and provided data related to edible insects such as YouTube videos, restaurants, products, etc would be helpful to achieve that goal. 

The application is organized by categories so that people can easily search for the information that they are seeking. We have listed edible insects that are popular and common for people to try. In addition, we have a category for recipes that are very easy to make using edible insects as an ingredient. Also, there is a category for restaurants and YouTube channels related to edible insects. 

We are regularly updating articles regarding edible insects so that people interested can see them at a glance. In addition, we made the platform available on the web, androids, and mobile devices other than the iPhone. 

Check out the application here: https://apps.apple.com/app/bughouse-edible-insects/id1639084875

Below is a thorough overview of the application:

Promoting Insect Appreciation with Black Soldier Fly Stickers

Promoting Insect Appreciation with Black Soldier Fly Stickers

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

EcoSave recently launched a unique initiative aimed at fostering a deeper appreciation for insects, specifically Black Soldier Flies (BSF). Specifically, we packaged and distributed BSF-themed stickers to ten children’s libraries across South Korea, to reshape the public perception of insects and promote environmental awareness.

Insects are often misunderstood and even seen as unappealing or unpleasant. However, our mission was to highlight the environmental benefits of BSF, including their role in composting and waste reduction. These insects can break down organic waste efficiently, making them essential to addressing issues of food waste and soil health.

The sticker campaign, designed to be both fun and educational, featured playful illustrations of BSF, each accompanied by common phrases used in texts. The hope was that children would begin to see insects as essential players in environmental conservation rather than pests to be avoided.

By sending these stickers to ten children's libraries across South Korea, EcoSave aimed to reach children at an early age, helping them develop a respect for all creatures. Additionally, the initiative emphasized the importance of considering waste management strategies to combat climate change. This campaign is one of many innovative approaches we use to inspire communities to rethink their relationship with the natural world. By transforming how people, especially children, perceive insects, we hope to contribute to a future where biodiversity is cherished and sustainability is a priority.

Little Hands Learning Center

Little Hands

Written by Caleb Cheha Paik

Last spring, EcoSave members traveled to Tanza 1, a remote village in the Philippines, to meet and interact with the children and families living there. EcoSave initiated Little Hands, a daycare center, for these children, and has been sponsoring it ever since. This center provides education but mainly serves as their communal home for children to bond as one family.  

This past summer, these children received an opportunity to have a field trip to downtown Antipolo City. They could experience things they had never seen before: playgrounds, arcades, shopping malls, etc. Supervisors, chaperones, and teachers of the daycare center described the event as life-changing. The children started to have "self-confidence", "[socialized] with each other through various activities", and "learned to listen and give to others." 

One teacher of Little Hands claims that her goal as an educator is to "explore every potential of the students, cultivate them in things they can't do, give them the right and appropriate knowledge, and teach them the good Word of God." Empowered by this disposition, teachers and volunteers strive to help these children daily. By promoting academic and biblical lessons, these teachers hope that the children of Tanza 1 can live a satisfying life. Despite the harsh living conditions, the children are optimistic, verifying how even little acts of service can influence the lives of these children. 

As EcoSave, along with myriad other volunteers, continues to support and nurture Little Hands, the impact of their work extends beyond just education. The field trip to Antipolo City was a glimpse of what these children could achieve with the right opportunities and guidance. The joy, confidence, and sense of community they experienced during this trip have sown seeds of hope and ambition in their young hearts.

Looking ahead, EcoSave is committed to organizing more activities and initiatives that will broaden the lives of these children. We envision a future where children like those of Tanza 1 not only survive but thrive, becoming well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to their community. The work is far from over, but with continued dedication and support, there is a promising path ahead.