Greate Bed FAQs

The Greate Bed project is currently in the design and protype phase. As questions come in from the community we will aim to answer them here. Please reach out with your own questions below.

Do the communities already have a lot of crates?

One of the core aims of the project is to collect plastic waste and melt it down to inject mould crates for the beds. This is planned to be tackled in Phase 2 of the project. Remote Australian communities often have a significant amount of plastic waste, including crates and other containers.

These typically come from:
1. Food and beverage packaging: Many goods are shipped to remote areas in plastic crates or containers to protect them during transport.
2. Shipping materials: Due to the reliance on imported goods, there's often an accumulation of shipping materials, including plastic crates and pallets.
3. Water containers: In areas with limited access to clean water, large plastic containers for water storage are common.

Is it comfortable?

While we only have about 10 or so case studies of people that have used the beds, the overall feedback is they they are comfortable. The goal is to create products that are both environmentally friendly and comfortable.

Here are some points to consider:
1. The project aims to produce high-quality, functional products, comfort is a key consideration in the design process.
2 The exact comfort level may depend on the specific design and materials used, which  tailored to preferences gathered from
‍3. Comfort is subjective, so the project may offer different options or customisable features to suit various needs.

What is the challenge getting/having a typical bedframe/mattress?

1. High Costs: Remote communities often face significantly higher prices for goods due to transportation costs and lack of competition. A bedframe and mattress that might be affordable in urban areas can be prohibitively expensive in remote locations.
2. Logistical Difficulties: Transporting large items like beds to remote areas is challenging and expensive. Roads may be poor or non-existent, and extreme weather conditions can further complicate delivery.
3. Limited Availability: Many remote communities lack furniture stores or have very limited options, forcing residents to order from distant suppliers, which increases costs and waiting times.
4. Durability Issues: The harsh climate in many remote areas can lead to faster deterioration of furniture, including beds. Standard mattresses may not be designed to withstand these conditions.
5. Cultural Considerations: Traditional sleeping arrangements in some Indigenous communities may differ from Western-style beds, making typical bedframes less suitable or desirable.
6. Housing Constraints: Many homes in remote communities may be smaller or have different layouts that don't easily accommodate standard bed sizes.
7. Economic Disparities: Higher rates of poverty and unemployment in some remote communities make it difficult for residents to afford quality bedding.
8. Maintenance and Replacement: When beds or mattresses need repair or replacement, the process of getting new ones is just as challenging, leading to people using worn-out or damaged beds for longer periods.

How durable are these beds compared to traditional ones, especially in harsh climates?

We are currently testing durability feedback for the Goods project's beds, we can consider some potential advantages of furniture made from recycled plastic:

1. Resistance to moisture: Plastic-based furniture is often more resistant to moisture than traditional frames, which is beneficial in humid or flood-prone areas.
2.Weather resistance: Properly engineered recycled plastic can withstand extreme temperatures and UV exposure better than some traditional materials.

What is the price point for these beds compared to standard options available in remote areas?

While we don't have exact pricing information for the Goods project's beds, we can consider factors that might influence their price point:
1. Lower transportation costs: By producing beds locally from recycled materials, transportation costs could be significantly reduced compared to importing traditional beds.
2. Reduced material costs: Using recycled plastic as a primary material could lower production costs compared to traditional materials.
3. Scale of production: As the project scales up, economies of scale could further reduce costs.
4. Social enterprise model: As a social enterprise, the project may aim for affordable pricing to maximise community benefit rather than profit margins.

Traditional beds in remote areas often come with significant markups due to transportation costs and limited competition.

However, the exact price difference would depend on:
1. The project's production costs
2. Local economic conditions
3. Pricing strategies to ensure sustainability of the initiative
4. Any subsidies or support from partners or government programs

A key goal of the project is to offer a more affordable option than what's currently available, while still ensuring quality and durability.

Still have questions?

Let us know below and we will endevour to add them to the list above

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