The usage of plastics has marginally increased, and the waste generated is causing major threats to the environment. Although there are several government norms regarding plastic usage and manufacturing, waste generation is still not controlled and continues to pollute nature. However, eco-bricks can help in solving the pollution caused by plastics to a certain extent. So, what are eco-bricks? Here, we break down everything that you need to know about eco-bricks.
What is an Eco-Brick?
An eco-brick is a building material made out of non-disposable plastics dumped in a plastic bottle tightly. They are used for various construction projects, replacing bricks and blocks. These are eco-friendly and are ideal for disposing of plastic waste productively. Eco-bricks have numerous benefits that could effectively reduce energy consumption and costs.
Importance of Eco Bricks
Environmental Benefits
Eco-bricks help reduce pollution from plastic waste. This waste is often discarded in landfills, where it harms the environment. By using eco-bricks, we can also decrease the risk of plastic entering oceans, seas, and ecosystems.
Sustainable Building
Eco-bricks are an alternative to traditional building materials. Generally, traditional bricks consume a lot of natural resources and energy; however, they only use waste that pollutes the environment. Using eco-bricks could help reduce the natural resources and energy used by promoting sustainability.
Community Engagement
Unlike other building materials, eco-bricks can be easily made by any individual or community. These bricks could educate people about sustainable practices and raise awareness regarding plastic pollution.
Versatility
Eco-bricks are versatile and are used in various construction and furnishing projects. These bricks can be perfect for building walls, benches, pavements, and design elements. Furthermore, they are lightweight and can be employed easily in construction projects as design components.
The Manufacturing Process of Eco Bricks
Collect Plastic Waste
Collect dry and clean plastic wastes that can be used as fillers in the plastic bottle. Wastes such as plastic bags, photo paper, crisp packets, food containers, straws, plastic cutlery, cling film, plastic packages, and polystyrene can be used as the source. Plastics that are biodegradable and contain organic matter should be used.
Prepare Plastic Bottle
Collect plastic bottles that are uniform in size and shape. Plastic bottles that have a narrow neck and no damage can be used in a clean and dry state.
Fill the Bottle
Fill the plastic bottles with the plastic waste using a stick or other tools to pack the bottles densely until they cannot be compressed further. Sand can also be included in an equal or adequate amount to fill the bottles.
Seal & Label the Bottle
After the bottle is filled, seal it with the cap tightly or with tape, ensuring that the bottle can not be opened or broken. Label the bottle with the date, type of the plastic used, and remarks for tracking content. The eco-brick is now produced and can be used for construction processes. The manufacturing process can take place anywhere in the world and is easy enough for common people to undertake.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Eco-bricks
Advantages
- Using plastic as a resource can reduce the harmful effects on the environment, which impacts several areas adversely.
- They are extraordinary building materials, that keep the structure more sustainable.
- These bricks are comparatively low in cost and require less energy compared to other bricks on the market.
- These bricks are not burnt in the kilns or fire furnaces like clay bricks. Thus it reduces carbon emissions and soil pollution.
- The manufacturing of eco-bricks is very simple and can be easily made, upon understanding the manufacturing process.
Disadvantages
- There is a belief that using plastics in the structure could be harmful in the long term.
- These bottles have the potential to break down when exposed to sunlight and could form a dump of non-recyclable waste that contaminates the environment.
- Breaking eco-bricks could be harmful to both animal and human health.
- Eco-bricks are not a permanent solution to getting rid of plastics, as they only delay the plastic dilemma.
Applications of Eco Bricks in Construction
Building
These bricks are ideal for the construction of building walls, benches, pavements, beds, gardens, and other structures. They can replace the bricks or blocks and could reduce the use of mortars.
Furniture
These bricks can be used to produce furniture such as chairs, stools, tables, and other furniture products, by arranging and fastening them together.
Landscaping
These bricks can be used for decorating walls, building borders, and for constructing corner beds. Painting the bottle with attractive colours and arranging them creatively could make it one of the decorated building elements.
Insulation
Plastic bricks that are filled with plastic and sand, act as fire resistant, that can withstand heavy temperatures, as they are thermal insulators. Using these bricks in walls, roofs and other functional structures could help protect the building from external temperatures.
How do Eco Bricks Help the Environment?
The use of Eco-bricks is an effective way to control plastic waste management.
- They reduce plastic pollution from plastic being thrown away, burnt, and affecting the soil and ocean ecology.
- Reduces carbon emissions caused by burning.
- Reduces the usage of natural resources and remains sustainable.
- Educate people about the hazards associated with plastic products.
Conclusion
Eco-bricks represent a creative and effective waste recycling process, that requires minimum to zero natural resources. They use landfills and polluting plastic waste for production and use, upcycling it effectively. They are strong, durable, resistant, and sustainable, helping to decrease the overall construction cost. They can be used for construction, making furniture, and designing ornaments. These bricks are easy to make and use, reducing the use of costly equipment, and manpower. These bricks also educate people about the threats of plastic usage and methods for managing plastic waste.