Environmental activist’s ingenious way to tackle recyclable plastic problem
Vanessa Cluver, an inspiring environmental activist from South Africa, has taken a proactive approach to tackle plastic waste in her community.
Vanessa Cluver, an inspiring environmental activist, has taken a proactive approach to tackle plastic waste in her community. Last year, she discovered the concept of eco-bricks and was immediately captivated by the idea of repurposing plastic waste as a building material.
Motivated by her new-found knowledge, Cluver started collecting plastic waste from her community and tightly packing it into plastic bottles, creating what is known as eco-bricks. With these eco-bricks in hand, she embarked on a mission to build a wall around her own property. Not only does the wall serve as a physical barrier, but it also serves as a powerful visual reminder of the urgent need to reduce plastic waste.
Buoyed by her success, Cluver took it upon herself to share her knowledge with others in her community. She began teaching them how to create eco-bricks and utilise them in construction projects. One notable achievement is the construction of eco-brick walls at a local preschool. Reflecting on the impact she has made, Cluver shared, “Six months ago, if anyone had told me that by making a simple change, I could contribute to the construction of preschool walls in Diepsloot, I would have paid attention. And that is precisely what happened.
Cluver firmly believes that eco-bricks can be a catalyst for community empowerment. By providing affordable building materials, eco-bricks have the potential to generate employment opportunities and stimulate local economies. Expressing her enthusiasm, Cluver remarked, “How wonderful it is to create something incredibly useful from materials that would typically end up in overflowing landfill sites.”
Through her tireless efforts, Cluver exemplifies the tremendous potential of eco-bricks as a sustainable building material and a tool for community empowerment. By embracing eco-bricks, individuals and communities can take meaningful action to reduce plastic waste and forge a path towards a more sustainable future.
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