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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!
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• You can also donate/exchange ecobricks in some locations.
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• 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