Eco bricks: Meaning, importance and how to make them

Plastic pollution is a significant problem for the planet, and people are constantly seeking ways to reduce it. One solution that has been gaining popularity is eco bricks. Eco bricks are plastic bottles filled with plastic waste and used as building materials. They’re environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and a creative way to repurpose plastic waste. This article will explore what eco bricks are, their benefits, and how to make them.

See also: What are clay bricks and how do they work?

Eco bricks: What are they? 

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Eco bricks, also known as ecological bricks or plastic bricks, are a type of building material made from plastic waste that is compressed and packed tightly into a bottle or other container. The idea behind eco bricks is to take plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or oceans and turn it into a useful building material.

Eco bricks: Why are they important?

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Eco bricks are important for several reasons:

• Environmental benefits: Eco bricks help reduce plastic waste by using it as a building material instead of sending it to landfills or polluting the environment. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in oceans and other natural environments, which can be harmful to wildlife and ecosystems.
• Sustainable building: Eco bricks provide an alternative to traditional building materials, which are often resource-intensive and have a significant impact on the environment. By using eco bricks, builders can reduce the environmental impact of construction projects and promote sustainability.
• Community engagement: Eco bricks can be made by individuals and communities as a way to get involved in environmental stewardship and promote sustainability. This can help build a sense of community and promote environmental awareness and education.
• Versatility: Eco bricks can be used in a variety of construction projects, from building walls and benches to creating raised garden beds and other structures. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to work with, making them a versatile building material.

Eco bricks: How to make them? 

Here are the basic steps to make an eco brick:

1. Collect plastic waste: Collect clean and dry plastic waste such as plastic bags, wrappers, packaging, and other non-biodegradable plastic items. It’s important to ensure that the plastic is clean and free of any organic matter.
2. Prepare a plastic bottle: Choose a plastic bottle with a narrow neck, like a soda bottle, and remove the cap. Make sure the bottle is clean and dry.
3. Stuff the bottle with plastic waste: Stuff the plastic waste into the bottle as tightly as possible, using a stick or other long, narrow tool to help pack it down. Keep adding plastic until the bottle is tightly packed and cannot be compressed any further.
4. Seal the bottle: Once the bottle is full, replace the cap and seal it tightly with tape or a lid. You can also use a heat gun or iron to melt the plastic cap onto the bottle to create a secure seal.
5. Label the bottle: Label the bottle with the type of plastic it contains, the date, and your name or initials. This will help ensure that the bottle is used appropriately and will also help keep track of the plastic content.
6. Repeat: Repeat the process with more plastic waste until you have enough eco bricks for your building project.

Eco bricks: What can you do with them?

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Eco bricks can be used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Building: Eco bricks can be used as building blocks to construct walls, benches, garden beds, and other structures.
• Furniture: Eco bricks can be stacked and arranged to create furniture like stools, chairs, and tables.
• Landscaping: Eco bricks can be used as a decorative element in landscaping projects, such as creating borders or raised garden beds.
• Insulation: Eco bricks can be used as an insulating material in walls, roofs, or other structures.
• Art: Eco bricks can be used as an art material to create sculptures, murals, or other art installations.
• Education: Eco bricks can be used as a teaching tool in environmental education, as an example of how to reuse and recycle plastic waste.

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