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Ecobricking: pack your plastic!

flower planter made from ecobricks

Plastic production is a huge problem, and it is increasing exponentially - by 448 million tons since 2015Ìý(nationalgeographic.com). In a world that produces so much plastic, it is nearly impossible to avoid having unrecyclable plasticsÌýin our homes, no matter how hard we try to go plastic-free. Don’t worry, there’s a solution: ecobricking!

  • Guatemala was struggling with an overabundance of plastic due to insufficient waste infrastructure.Ìý
    • Citizens of Guatemala created ecobricking to collect excess plastic and use it for building (natracare.com).
  • Environmental activist Susanna Heisse created the first construction system with ecobricks in 2003 (refash.in)
    • Soon after, other third-world countries caught on. It’s time for the developed worldÌýto catch on!

  • Plastic has many good properties; however, it contaminatesÌýecosystems when it goes to waste.
    • Instead of simply throwing plastic away,Ìýwe should put it to use.
  • Plastic is extremely durable, therefore it is a great building tool.Ìý
  • Ecobricks put plastics to use instead of allowing them to contaminate our biosphere.

Ecobricking is simple! Check outÌý.

  • Step 1: Save, separate, cleanÌýand dry your plastics.
    • Plastic must be clean and dry to avoid microbial growth in your brick.
  • Step 2: Choose a bottle.
    • Make sure it's shape is consistent with what you want to build.
    • Be sure that your bottle is easy to come by. You don’t want to have to purchase something just to make a brick.
  • Step 3: Find a good stick or long object that you can pack down the plastic with.
    • A sturdy stick that fits into the top of your bottle will ensure that your plastic is packed tightly - leave no empty space in the bottle.
  • Step 4: Ensure that no metals, glass, paper or biodegradables go into your ecobrick. These materials can be disposed of more safely than plastic.Ìý
  • Step 5: Pack your bottle tight!
    • Be sure there isÌýno empty space in the bottle, it should be as dense as a real brick.
    • To ensure that your bottle is dense enough, weigh it.
    • Minimum weight = bottle volume(ml)*0.33
  • Step 6: Cap it and log!
    • Leave 1-2 cm between the cap and the top of your capped plastic.Ìý
    • You can calculate your overall impact by logging your brick on theÌý.

  • Use ecobricks to build furniture, gardens, playgrounds and more!
    • .
  • You can also donate/exchange ecobricks in some locations.
    • .
  • In Boulder:
    • Drop your bricks off at The Kiva Center (1780 Lombardy Dr.)

Check out our other zero waste articles

  • General zero waste info and news
  • Facts, conceptsÌýand opinions from CU students, facultyÌýand staff
  • Industry news and policy
  • Zero waste lifestyle and DIY ideas