Plastic pollution and homelessness are two problems that at first glance have no direct relationship. However, an initiative by the non-profit organization Plastic For Change India Foundation may be an answer to these two serious situations. The NGO is building houses made of recycled plastic in the city of Manglauru, India, writes the cycling website cyclovivo.
The houses are made with 100 percent recycled plastic and are ready in just 10 days. “Our goal is to turn plastic waste into building materials that can be harnessed for low-cost housing projects, helping vulnerable people,” explains Shifrah Jacobs, director of the organization.
Another benefit of the initiative is to ensure fair remuneration for the collectors of recyclable solid waste. The goal is to formalize the work of waste pickers and cooperatives, as well as to offer a comprehensive support program, since most of the people who work with plastic collection in India are also in a vulnerable social situation.
The director also explains that the fact that the houses are built in such a short period of no more than 10 days is a great advantage as it makes it possible to deliver more houses in the same period compared to standard masonry constructions.
As the techniques improve, Shifrah believes that it will be possible to make the price charged for each house even cheaper.
