MILAN – Finding a solution for those who have no home and implementing good environmental sustainability practices are the core focuses of a project run by the non-governmental organisation (NGO) Development Association for Renewable Energies (DARE). The project was developed in Africa, specifically in Nigeria, where it has helped the local population to build houses using plastic bottles.
Environmentally sustainable homes
“All” you need to build a two-bedroom house is 14,000 bottles. Each bottle is filled with sand, then the bottles are held together using mud and cement. This mixture forms a solid wall that is stronger than cinderblocks. Evidence shows that these buildings are bulletproof, fireproof and, to a certain degree, can withstand earthquakes. What’s more, they enable you to maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. They are also powered by gas produced using recycled waste and put out zero carbon dioxide emissions.
Supports the homeless and respects the environment
The project has revealed major human and environmental implications, so much so that it is considering an American interpretation of the project. In the Unites States around 130 million bottles are discarded every day, totalling 47 billion bottles per year, and almost 80% of these end up in landfills. It has been calculated that in Nigeria over 9,000 homes per day are being built using this system, resulting in around 3.4 million homes per year. According to the latest estimates, approximately 3.5 million people are living on the streets in the United States. It is for this reason that this project could hopefully produce significant results for the environment and human dignity.
by editorial staff
