We produce 300 million tons of plastic each year worldwide, half of which is for single-use items. The Eco-Brick Movement aims to reduce and reuse plastic waste by raising awareness in communities and industries by turning single-use plastic into environmentally-friendly structures, such as public seating, playgrounds and art projects. While reducing plastic waste in landfills and oceans, we are decreasing CO2 emissions to the atmosphere.
Building a sustainable future, one eco-brick at a time!
National
Portugal
Loulé, Silves, Olhão
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): MÔÇES Type of organisation: Non-profit organisation First name of representative: Maria Last name of representative: Lopes Age: 29 Please attach a copy of your national ID/residence card:
By ticking this box, I certify that the information regarding my age is factually correct. : Yes Gender: Female Nationality: Portugal Function: Co-Founder, Social techinician Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Rua do Meio, Edificio Mónaco, letra M Town: Moncarapacho Postal code: 8700-201 Country: Portugal Direct Tel:+351 915 475 613 E-mail:associacao.moces@gmail.com Website:http://www.moces.pt
The Eco-Brick Movement is a community-driven initiative that aims to raise awareness about the importance of reusing single-use plastic and giving them a new purpose. Our goal is to prevent these plastics from ending up in the oceans or incinerated in landfills, which contributes to atmospheric pollution and negatively impacts our ecosystems.
To achieve this goal, we have developed a solution that involves creating Eco-Bricks by filling large water bottles with compressed single-use plastic. These Eco-Bricks are durable, water-resistant and flexible, which makes them suitable for sustainable construction, public seating, playgrounds, art pieces and more.
Our organization is working to bring together engineers, architects, product designers, artists, makers, and environmental advocates to build a network that will encourage big companies - who generate a large amount of single-use plastic waste daily - to give us this waste, which we can then turn into Eco-Bricks. Also, our organization is committed to empowering vulnerable communities by providing opportunities for them to participate in the Eco-Brick Movement. This inclusive approach aims to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization while also giving these communities a sense of ownership and pride in their work. It is not only essential for the success of the Eco-Brick Movement but also for building a more inclusive and equitable society.
So far, the Eco-Brick movement has already formed partnerships with 10 schools, involving more than 500 students and teachers in their efforts, as well as major companies such as Leroy & Merlin and members of the community who are actively participating. We have already collected around 95 completed Eco-Bricks from the community. Additionally, our organization has been invited by different municipalities to present the Eco-Brick Movement, showcasing the potential for widespread adoption and impact.
Reuse single-use plastic
Create Eco-Bricks
Make sustainable constructions
Involve communities
Save Planet Earth
Firstly, by reusing single-use plastic, we aim to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in oceans, and incinerated in landfills, which contributes to environmental degradation and negatively impacts biodiversity. By giving these plastics a new purpose as Eco-Bricks, we are able to divert them from these harmful disposal methods.
Secondly, by creating Eco-Bricks, we are able to make sustainable constructions, street furniture, and art pieces. These bricks are durable, water-resistant, and flexible, making them suitable for use as building materials. By using Eco-Bricks, we are able to reduce the need for virgin materials.
Thirdly, by involving communities in the Eco-Brick Movement, we aim to empower people in vulnerable communities who are economically, socially, and culturally excluded, to work with us. This inclusive approach not only helps to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization but also empowers these communities and instills a sense of accomplishment in their efforts.
Finally, we aim to combat climate change by reducing CO2 emissions. For every 1kg of plastic transformed into an ecological brick, 3.1 kg of CO2 are no longer emitted into the atmosphere, thus not only we are limiting the amount of plastic pollution, but we are also contributing to the fight against climate change.
Overall, the Eco-Brick Movement is exemplary in its approach to sustainability by reusing single-use plastic, creating Eco-Bricks with it, making sustainable constructions, involving communities, and saving Planet Earth. With the Eco-Brick movement we are able to address multiple environmental issues and promote a more sustainable future.
Firstly, by designing sustainable constructions, street furniture such as public seating, playgrounds, community gardens and art pieces, using Eco-Bricks, we aim to create visually pleasing and functional spaces that improve the overall aesthetic of the cities. The use of Eco-Bricks also allows for a unique and creative approach to design, which can be a source of inspiration and pride for the community.
Secondly, by involving communities in the Eco-Brick Movement, we aim to create a sense of ownership, which can lead to positive emotions and a sense of unity. The Eco-Brick movement also provides an opportunity for people to learn new skills, which can have a positive impact on their self-esteem and overall well-being.
Thirdly, by using Eco-Bricks, we are able to create sustainable constructions that are in harmony with the local culture and tradition. This approach can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of local culture, which can be a source of pride for the community.
Lastly, each Eco-Brick creation on public display will proudly showcase the amount of plastic waste and CO2 emissions it has prevented, serving as a tangible reminder of the impact we can make through conscious consumption.
Overall, the Eco-Brick Movement is exemplary in its approach to aesthetics and quality of experience for people. By designing sustainable constructions, street furniture and art pieces, involving communities, and promoting cultural benefits, we are able to create visually pleasing and functional spaces that improve the overall aesthetic of the community while promoting positive emotions and cultural pride.
Firstly, by involving communities in the Eco-Brick Movement, we aim to provide accessibility and affordability for all. The use of single-use plastic, which are widely available, as building materials makes the project accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic situation. Furthermore, by involving people in vulnerable communities - who are economically, socially, and culturally excluded - to work with us, we aim to empower them and provide them with the necessary skills and resources to break the cycle of poverty and marginalization.
Secondly, by having inclusive, decentralized, and democratic governing systems, we aim to ensure that all members of the community have a voice in the decision-making process. This approach leads to a more equitable distribution of power and resources, which can have a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Our third goal is to design for all, creating sustainable constructions and street furniture that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Lastly, at the core of our mission, we strive to not only reduce plastic waste but also to create a more sustainable and equitable future for all. By promoting new societal models and encouraging others to follow in our footsteps, we aim to inspire real and lasting change. The Eco-Brick Movement is a shining example of how communities can come together to make a real impact, inviting others to join us in creating a cleaner, greener world for all.
The Eco-Brick Movement is a community-driven initiative, and as such, citizens are the ones who benefit from and are affected by it. Citizens can benefit from the Eco-Brick Movement by having access to environmentally-friendly constructions, street furniture, and art pieces that are made from reused plastic.
By starting with schools, we are not only educating the next generation about the importance of plastic waste reduction and sustainability, but also giving them the opportunity to take action and make a tangible impact in their communities. We Imagine a future where our schools are not only educational institutions but also centers of environmental stewardship and community development.
Our approach to involving citizens in the Eco-Brick movement focuses on working with vulnerable communities - as we’ve been doing for the last 2 years in other projects - who are often economically, socially, and culturally excluded. This approach not only helps to reduce plastic waste, but also empowers and uplifts these marginalized communities by providing them with job opportunities and a sense of agency in creating a more sustainable future for the entire community.
Civil society is also involved in the Eco-Brick Movement by participating in the collection of single-use plastic, compression of the plastic, and construction of the Eco-Bricks. The involvement of civil society in these activities leads to a sense of empowerment and ownership of the final product. The involvement of civil society also allows for a more efficient and effective implementation of the project, as the community members are the ones who are most familiar with the local conditions and needs, and can provide valuable insights and feedback that can improve the project.
The impact of this involvement on the concept has been significant as it allows for a more inclusive, community-driven approach that leads to a more sustainable and equitable result.
The engagement of different stakeholders was a crucial aspect of the design and development of the Eco-Brick Movement. Local communities, companies, schools, social institutions and individuals were engaged through educational workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment. These local stakeholders were also encouraged to participate in the creation of eco-bricks in order to help us build the first prototype.
Our organization has made significant strides in promoting the Eco-Brick Movement, having successfully partnered with 4 municipalities to bring sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions to their communities. We are now looking to expand our reach and impact by partnering with additional municipalities. With the support of the local government, we aim to make a greater impact on reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable living. We are committed to working with communities and municipalities to create a more equitable and eco-friendly future for all.
Additionally, partnerships were established with major companies such as Leroy & Merlin who contributed with large quantities of their plastic waste.
Overall, the engagement of stakeholders at various levels has added value to the concept by providing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise, as well as by increasing the reach and impact of the movement. By involving local communities, schools, individuals, regional and national government bodies, and major corporations, the Eco-Brick Movement has been able to build a network of support and to achieve greater success in reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability.
Furthermore, it also demonstrates the potential of public-private partnerships in addressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices.
The Eco-Brick Movement brought together a variety of disciplines and knowledge fields in its design and development.
Firstly, the concept of the eco-brick itself required informal inputs from engineers and architects to ensure that the bricks were structurally suitable for building and further to design the first 3D projects.
Secondly, the movement also required input from municipalities and educators to understand the impact of the movement on the communities that it was designed to serve. This helped in the design of educational programs to educate future generations about the importance of reducing plastic waste and how to properly create eco-bricks.
Additionally, environmental specialists were also involved to understand the impact of plastic waste on the environment and to ensure that the eco-brick movement was truly sustainable.
Lastly, representatives of companies and members of civil society were also engaged in the process to understand their production systems and needs to ensure that the movement was effective.
All these different fields worked together in an interdisciplinary way, with each one bringing their unique perspective to the table. The added value of this process was the ability to create a holistic and comprehensive solution that addresses multiple aspects of the problem of plastic waste. This helped to ensure the success and sustainability of the movement so far.
The Eco-Brick Movement is innovative because it addresses the global issue of plastic pollution by providing a local solution and it’s the first Eco-Brick project in Portugal. Rather than simply disposing of single-use plastic, the movement encourages individuals and communities to collect and compress the plastic into eco-bricks, which can then be used to construct durable and sustainable infrastructures. This not only reduces the amount of plastic waste, but also empowers communities to take ownership of their environmental impact and create tangible solutions for plastic pollution. Additionally, the use of eco-bricks in construction projects helps to raise awareness about plastic pollution and encourages others to take similar actions in their own communities.
This approach not only reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, but it also reduces the need for virgin materials production, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Additionally, by involving communities in the Eco-Brick Movement, we aim to empower people in vulnerable communities who are economically, socially, and culturally excluded to work with us.
Another innovative aspect of the Eco-Brick Movement is the use of plastic bottles, which are widely available, as a material for the Eco-Bricks. This makes the project accessible to everyone, regardless of their economic situation. Furthermore, by involving civil society in the decision-making process, we aim to ensure that all members of the community have a voice in the decision-making process, becoming change agents. Our ultimate goal with the Eco-Brick Movement is to empower individuals and communities to take ownership of their own sustainability efforts. By providing the necessary tools and resources, we aim to make it possible for anyone to create their own environmentally-friendly structures and buildings, from furniture or playgrounds to larger projects like community centers and housing.
The Eco-Brick Movement is a highly replicable and transferable concept that can be adapted to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts.
Firstly, the methodology of the movement can be replicated in other places - the process of raising awareness about the importance of recycling and reusing, and collecting single-use plastic, and using them as building materials can be adapted to other communities and regions. Additionally, the methodology of involving communities in the Eco-Brick Movement and empowering people in vulnerable situations who are economically, socially, and culturally excluded to work with the movement is highly replicable and can be adapted to other contexts.
Secondly, the technology used to compress single-use plastics into Eco-Bricks is simple and can be replicated in other places. The use of simple tools like a big water bottle and a stick to compress the plastic can be easily replicated in other contexts, making the project accessible to everyone regardless of their economic situation.
Thirdly, our goal is to increase visibility and awareness of the Eco-Brick Movement by placing prototype pieces of the first constructions in highly-trafficked areas. These locations could include public parks, shopping centers, schools, and other places where a large number of people gather. In doing so, we aim to inspire and educate others about the potential of Eco-Bricks as a building material and encourage wider adoption of this sustainable solution.
The learnings from the Eco-Brick Movement can be replicated in other places by sharing the methodology and techniques used to create the eco-bricks, as well as the process of engaging and educating communities and partners on the importance of reducing plastic waste. This includes sharing knowledge on the proper collection and preparation of plastic waste, as well as the technology used to compress the plastic into water bottles, turning them into eco-bricks.
The Eco-Brick Movement addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions.
Firstly, the concept addresses the challenge of plastic pollution by reusing single-use plastic and giving them a new purpose as building materials. This approach not only reduces the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills, but it also reduces the need for virgin materials, which can have a negative impact on the environment. By addressing this challenge locally, this movement contributes to reducing the amount of plastic pollution in the oceans and other bodies of water, which is a global problem.
Secondly, the Eco-Brick Movement addresses the issue of climate change by reducing the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are released into the atmosphere. Specifically, by converting 1 kilogram of plastic into an Eco-Brick, the movement effectively reduces the amount of CO2 emissions by 3.1 kilograms. This reduction in emissions is achieved through the process of encapsulating single-use plastic within a durable, reusable structure, thus preventing the release of these materials into the environment and reducing the need for further production of plastic products. By addressing this challenge locally, the Eco-Brick Movement contributes to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Thirdly, the concept addresses the challenge of poverty and marginalization by involving communities and empowering individuals in vulnerable communities who are economically, socially, and culturally excluded to participate in the movement. This inclusive approach not only helps to alleviate poverty and reduce marginalization, but also promotes community engagement and empowerment. By providing individuals in these communities with the opportunity to actively contribute to the movement, we ignite a spark of self-worth and inspire a sense of pride in their work, which in turn can lead to a more equitable distribution of power and resources.
