Siargao launches eco-bricks movement for zero-plastic waste

The local government of Siargao Island launched a campaign which would rid their area of plastic waste by turning this waste into eco-bricks.

Last May 1, local government officials; together with public schools executives; non-government organizations; and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) groups, conducted an eco-bricks starter workshop in General Luna, Surigao Del Norte.

Eco-bricks, which are made of plastic bottles containing pieces of used plastics, could be used as blocks to build furniture and simple buildings.

"This initiative aims to transform plastic waste into building materials for the development of the island and to help provide livelihood for our citizens," explained Surigao Del Norte Representative Bingo Matugas.

"We hope to prevent such problems even before we have them here in Siargao," Matugas added.

Eco-bricks could be mortared together using tire bands, silicone, cob, and cement which may later be used to build structures.

These used plastic bottles can also be packed with other non-biological trash that were considered to be toxic to the environment. — DVM, GMA News