Deforestation and waste management are two challenges facing the global community. Trees are often cut down in rural parts of developing countries to be used as firewood to cook and to fire mud bricks used in the construction of buildings like houses, shops, and latrines. Garbage and trash disposal is another environmental problem. Plastic items are especially challenging. Many countries have banned the use of certain plastic bags. The widespread use of bottled drinking water has created an abundance of empty plastic bottles.
An innovative solution to these global challenges has been developed by Ecological Technology Environmental Solutions (ECO-TEC). ECO-TEC is an environmental waste management company that specializes in construction using plastic bottles. They have successfully demonstrated the effectiveness and sustainability of this solution in Uganda. Soil is packed into the plastic bottles to create a sturdy and waterproof building block.
The Butakoola Village Association for Development (BUVAD) partnered with ECO-TEC to build a latrine in Kayunga District for the students at Bwetyaba Primary School.
This video shows the process of the latrine construction over about a two week period. The entire community was involved in the project. African innovation at work.
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Video Credit: John Haley
