Open up a conversation about conservation

Upstream Keychain

SOLD AT BOULDER’S FIREFLY HOLIDAY MARKET

Upstream Keychain was designed to spark conversations about Colorado’s watershed and it’s trout population. Working with George Davis and Fletcher Spear, we transformed littered aluminum cans from Boulder Creek into a polished product we brought to market.

The story

In 2020, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department reported declines in certain trout populations across the state, attributed to factors such as habitat degradation, water pollutions, and climate change-induced stressors.

We decided to raise awareness to this issue through a product made from recycled aluminum cans found in Boulder Creek.

Form ideation

  • Initial proto

  • Rhino model iteration

  • Final 3D model

Recycled aluminum is 90% more energy efficient than virgin aluminum

  • Friends or family member that are tricky to buy for:

    dads, anglers, or just outdoor enthusiasts interested in sustainability

  • We wanted to further emphasize the three different species of Trout through fun, colorful packaging that would make our products pop on the shelves

  • At a $10-$30 price point, Upstream is a low-barrier purchase and easy buy

Bringing Upstream to Market

Upstream was displayed and sold in our student designed and built “Epop shop”. Upstream sold out of all 50 fish by the second day, earning one of the highest profits in our class.

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