What are Ecobricks? These are the benefits, how to make it and examples of craft creations from it

What are Ecobricks? Ecobricks are an example of revolutionary craft creations made from waste or plastic waste whose benefits are enormous for human life. Ecobricks are one solution in the midst of the deadlock in managing plastic waste.

As is known, waste is a major global challenge, where its impact poses a threat to environmental sustainability.

Even though plastic production and use has been reduced, plastic waste remains a bad symbol for life on Earth.

From here, ecobricks emerged and provided a breath of fresh air in the process of recycling plastic waste.

Understanding Ecobricks (Ecobricks)

Ecobricks are environmentally friendly bricks made from plastic waste.

This product is a revolutionary innovation step designed to manage one of the wastes that is difficult to decompose, namely plastic waste.

From the source of the words that form the name “ecobrick”, the name of this product is a combination of the words “eco” and “brick,” ecobrick or ecobrick can be defined as an environmentally friendly brick.

This idea came from husband and wife duo Russel Maier from Canada and Ani Himawati Maier from Indonesia, where they created it in the Philippines.

Today, ecobricks are very popular globally and are also known by names such as “Bottle Brick” or “Ecoladrillo.”

Ecobricks are a deadlock breaker when conventional waste management is less effective.

Disposing of plastic to landfill or burning (incineration) of plastic is considered not optimal in reducing the amount of waste which continues to increase.

Management steps using the 3R principle (reuse, reduce, recycle) are also considered to have not been implemented effectively.

It is hoped that ecobricks can be a creative effort to utilize plastic waste to create a positive impact on the environment.

Some people often ask whether Ecobricks can be filled with paper? If you really have a paper waste management problem that is difficult to manage, paper Ecobricks can be made, just make sure it is only paper that is really difficult to manage, clean and dry so that it does not contain germs and disease.

Ideally, you should use rubbish waste or plastic scraps that are difficult to decompose, so make sure you underline this information.

Benefits of Ecobricks in Environmental Sustainability

The main benefit of eco bricks lies in the effectiveness of plastic waste management.

Instead of throwing away, burning, or landfilling plastic scraps that have the potential to pollute the environment, ecobricks use plastic as a new material.

Apart from being a solution for managing plastic waste, this innovation also provides various benefits, both functionally and economically.

From a functional perspective, ecobricks are often used as a basic material in making various products, including furniture and even materials in building construction.

Even though they are simple, ecobricks can be a substitute for conventional building materials such as red bricks or concrete blocks.

In line with its function, ecobricks also have economic value. Ecobricks are a cheap material, so they can save production costs.

Nowadays, many ecobricks are bought and sold through online buying and selling sites.

Several waste banks in Indonesia also buy ecobricks for cash.

How to Make an Easy & Short Ecobric

Apart from protecting the environment, making ecobricks also doesn’t take a lot of money, time or energy.

In fact, this waste management can easily be done independently.

If you are interested in making it, here are a number of materials needed to make it:

Ecobrick Making Materials

• 600 ml or 1500 ml Plastic Bottle (for containers)
• Plastic waste (anything small such as plastic candy wrappers, detergent, or plastic that can be cut)
• A spoon or small stick

Next, let’s look at the steps for making it below:

How to Make Eco Bricks

• Sort and clean plastic waste of various types. Wash the plastic waste with soap and dry in the sun until dry.
• Provide used mineral water bottles that have been provided as the basic material for “bricks” in making ecobricks. Make sure the inside of the bottle is dry before filling it with plastic waste.
• Prepare a stick that is twice the length of a mineral water bottle to put plastic waste into the bottle.
• Randomly put plastic waste into used mineral water bottles. Fill the bottle with plastic waste until it is full.
• Compact the plastic waste in the bottle with a spoon or stick. Push out all plastic waste so that there are no air spaces left in the bottle.
• Weigh each ecobrick to ensure its weight reaches the standard, namely 200 grams per 600 ml bottle of mineral water.
• Store the finished ecobrick in a shady place to avoid direct sunlight.Finally, assemble the finished ecobricks to be used in making non-permanent walls, replicas of objects, mini fences, and others.

What to do if the Ecobrick breaks or leaks? As much as possible, replace it with a new one. If the leak is small, cover the hole with a very strong material and make sure it is covered very tightly.

If you need Ecobriks but don’t have the time, energy and tools, you can buy them at the official online shop. The price of a finished Ecobrick measuring 600 ml is around Rp. 8000.00, quite cheap and there are also those selling at prices below that.

Examples of Creations and Crafts Using Ecobricks

The next thing you need to know is the use of ecobricks in everyday life.

Here’s an example:

• Well design with ecobricks is an attractive choice for those who plan to build a well around the house.
• Eco Bricks can be a substitute for bricks if conventional bricks are not available. However, it is recommended to consult with a building expert first.
• Wedding decorations with ecobricks can add a creative touch to the event without going overboard.
• Using ecobricks can also be a unique and environmentally friendly stage decoration option.
• Making gates for business premises, especially plantations, using ecobricks can be an attractive option.

So, are you interested in implementing one of the ecobrick ideas above?

It can be concluded that ecobricks are a solution for plastic waste management, as well as a creative alternative in various designs.

This method supports sustainability in the use of plastic waste by providing functional and economic benefits in it.

CONCLUSION:

Ecobricks are a very creative waste recycling method that aims to reduce plastic waste. How to use or make ecobricks generally involves filling plastic bottles with non-degradable plastic waste, such as plastic bags, snack wrappers, and other synthetic materials. These bottles are filled until they are solid so they are strong and long lasting.

Remember, the ecobrick concept emerged as an innovative solution to overcome the problem of plastic waste which is increasing and difficult to decompose naturally.

The benefits of ecobricks are numerous, but the most important thing is that this system lies in its ability to convert waste into resources.

Ecobricks can be used in various construction projects, such as building walls, furniture, and even small buildings. For example, walls built from ecobricks are not only unique and aesthetic, but also environmentally friendly.

The use of ecobricks in construction provides a sustainable alternative to conventional building materials, while helping to reduce the carbon footprint and raise awareness about the importance of recycling and waste management.

For better waste management, learn how Waste4Change can help you here.