It isn’t any secret that plastic waste is becoming more and more of a problem in our modern world. From the space it takes up in landfills to smaller bits finding their way into our waterways, and so on.
There are several companies and individuals who are looking at ways to clean up the various plastics polluting our environment, and a few are looking at new and innovative ways to reuse that waste to the benefit of those in need.
With some refining, one such enterprise has come up with a process to combine plastic and rubber from used tires to create a new building system that stacks almost like Legos. The interlocking blocks are easy to assemble, and reuse material that would otherwise end up in landfills, and due to the abundance of plastic, they are relatively inexpensive.
The aim of Columbia based company started by Oscar Andres Mendez Gerardino is to provide housing for the homeless, provide shelters for communities, or other structures that would be in need in the parts of the world where up to 40% of the population is without suitable housing, and schools are lacking.
Their interlocking system means that there is no experience in construction required and a team of 4 can build a small home for a single family in a matter of a few days and larger structures can be put together in around ten days with a slightly larger group.
The blocks are fire resistant and lightweight. Their plastic makeup also makes them less susceptible to earthquake damage. For those living off-grid and homesteaders, such a material could mean either an additional building, a less environmentally impactful material for a new off-grid residence entirely. The ease of construction means you could put up your new abode in significantly less time than more traditional materials, even as a solo undertaking.
For those living in a more community-based environment the new plastic blocks could be used to construct a community center, indoor garden, a school, pavilions for gatherings, or basically any structure you may need while also helping to reduce the amount of plastic waste finding its way into our ecosystem. Not only that, but unlike most other buildings and materials, the plastic blocks can be deconstructed and moved to a new location if needed. With uses only limited by your imagination and short construction times, it is the very definition of a “win win” scenario.