The Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is calling on Fijians to engage in recycling programs as this is also another way to free our Pacific from plastic pollution.
Founder of the foundation and chief executive officer of Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd Amitesh Deo said PRF embarked on a few research projects aimed at looking for environmentally-friendly products that could be used to rebuild rural schools in coastal areas of Fiji following natural disasters, in particular through the upcycling of plastic waste.
Mr Deo said one particular research project explored the potential of upcycling plastic waste into building blocks that could be used for school construction, providing an affordable, durable, and sustainable building material.
“Natural disasters such as cyclones and floods often leave rural schools in coastal areas of Fiji severely damaged or destroyed, making rebuilding exercise a difficult and expensive task,” said Mr Deo.
According to the use of upcycled plastic blocks for rural school construction in coastal areas of Fiji has many potential benefits, including reduced costs, increased sustainability, and improved environmental outcomes.
Mr Deo said their project involved collecting and processing plastic waste from local communities, which was then transformed into lightweight, durable building blocks that could be assembled quickly and easily.
“We are committed to supporting communities in their efforts to recover and rebuild after natural disasters by providing affordable, durable, and sustainable building materials.”
PRF is looking for funding opportunities from donor agencies and development partners to further enhance this research and possibly set up a facility for the manufacturing of these blocks.
“We have been inundated with enquiries from communities, schools, and corporates in the recent past who want to implement our recycling initiatives to eradicate plastic waste.
“People are contacting us even from remote areas seeking assistance and information on how to deal with waste, in particular plastic waste,” said Mr Deo.
According to Mr Deo while PRF continues to encourage everyone to reflect on how plastic waste is disposed of, the foundation is also calling on Fijians to engage in recycling programs as this is also another way to free our Pacific from plastic pollution.
