from the original source► https://www.commongoods.net/ecommonbric
Reimagining the Usefulness of Plastic Waste
This
grassroots eco-brick project is setting out to change the waste cycle
by capturing plastics before they become pollution, and instead use them
in infrastructure improvements that benefit the local community
Ricardo
“Ricar” Quesada is a local Costa Rican who has seen the impacts of the
plastics problem in the streets and beaches of his home country get
worse throughout his lifetime. Based on his research and connections
with professionals and people who have devoted their lives to building
solutions for a better world, he and his comrades are designing a model
for manufacturing eco-bricks that will capture and use plastics that
would otherwise be waste materials to improve important public safety
infrastructure like sidewalks and roadways.
Ricar
began dreaming of this project years ago, and in February 2020 began
the conversations with CommonGoods Network to secure our support. Since
July 2020, he has been researching and working with professionals on the
technical aspects required, namely what materials to use and how the
design process will take form.
Ricar
wanted to name this project "ecommonbrics" because it combines "eco"
and "common", as well as the Spanish pronunciation of “brick”, giving
mention to the collaboration with CommonGoods Network and the roots of
this project's beginnings in Costa Rica.
This project has been awarded two grants by CommonGoods Network
because we believe in the positive impact this project can have, which
is why we are matching $1,000 of funds raised for this project, in
addition to giving the project a $500 initial grant.
Right
now in Costa Rica and many other countries around the world, public
transportation is impeded by dirt roads which are impassable during
rainy seasons and are dust-plumed public health hazards during dry
seasons. Cars, bikes, and pedestrians, as well as the local economy,
will benefit from eco-brick laden paths.
Not only will this
project’s success provide access to designs which can be adapted and
used anywhere, but education about the process will be available to
anyone who volunteers - from local community to international visitors
with such interests. This project will also strive to share sufficient
information about this process so that others may learn and replicate it
for the benefit of their communities as well.
Community
involvement is integral to this project. Ricar, the project leader, has
been discussing this project with the local community in Montezuma,
Costa Rica for over a year, and building connections there for several
years prior. This project has benefitted from the expertise of local
builders and engineers who have provided insights as to the designs and
materials to use. To implement each phase requires the support and
participation of the local community, who is becoming more and more
interested and involved. Local establishments have welcomed the presence
of simple receptacles with hand-written signage to help collect
plastics of the desired shapes and sizes.
Youth have
volunteered their time collecting and sorting plastics into their
categories for ease of use. Leaders in the active artist community in
town have become inspired to learn more, volunteer, and encourage others
to support. Ricar has also had several meetings with government
officials and leaders of local Costa Rican organizations who have
expressed interest in supporting this project. The groundwork has been
laid with organizations and government agencies early on so that they
will be ready to help with any infrastructure design or permits that may
be needed in Phase 2 or 3. Collaboration with organizations and
individuals is also helping people learn more about this growing
project, inspiring those who may be able to help with their time, money,
and connections.
a) reduce the damaging presence of plastic pollution that litters otherwise beautiful places that many humans and wildlife call home;
b) improve degraded roads, sidewalks, bus stops, and other infrastructure that is seldom replaced or improved, despite its necessity and use by all ages of people who rely on this for transportation;
c) provide education about the impact of pollutants in the oceans, forests, and beyond;
d) open-source access to sustainable technologies;
e) boost the local economy with attention and increase environmentally aware tourism.
We know plastic is killing more than 100,000 sea turtles and birds a year.1 Meanwhile, impacts of inclement weather on public infrastructure go unaddressed, leading to dangerous conditions people are facing every day. This is the case particularly during the rainy half of the year in Montezuma, Costa Rica. This beautiful coastal town is rich in nature and - unfortunately - plastic pollution.
Let's all do what we can to support a healthy, harmonious, and safe planet. Make a donation to support this eco-brick project.
from the original source► https://www.commongoods.net/ecommonbric
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