Eco-bricks

To protect marine ecosystems and the human living environment, with the mission of minimizing plastic waste, the idea of ​​making ecobricks was born. Ecobrick is a portmantein, consisting of "eco" (relating to ecology) and "brick." These bricks are made from plastic bottles filled and tightly packed with various types of plastic waste, mostly plastic bags, candy wrappers, packaging, styrofoam boxes, flexible plastic items, etc. By doing this, you not only deal with plastic waste but also contribute bricks to build a public facility or charity housing in your hometown. Each ecobrick is bonded together using a construction-grade adhesive. Therefore, besides building houses, Ecobricks can also be used to build desks, chairs, fences, etc. This is a simple solution for handling daily household plastic waste; it doesn't require machinery or special skills, and everyone can make their own ecobricks following the instructions.

Launch a movement to make eco-friendly bricks in schools.

Many Ecobrick projects exist globally, connecting people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities who share a common goal of protecting the environment. Vietnam.vn introduces the Ecobrick movement through the photo series "Ecobrick" by author Vu Son Lam, which depicts the process of making ecobricks. This series also helps people better understand the consequences of plastic use and raises awareness about reducing plastic waste in homes and communities. The author submitted this photo series to the "Happy Vietnam" photo and video contest, organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications .

Working together.

Making a brick is quite simple; just open the bottle cap and stuff the waste plastic materials inside. For hard and large materials, cut them into smaller pieces and stuff them in layers. Then, use a chopstick or long stick to press and compact the materials tightly into the bottle. The bottom of the bottle should be filled with soft plastic or easily crumpled material, the sides should be tightly packed, and the center will automatically become firm and solid. After the bottle is tightly packed and solidified, close the cap to create a complete brick. After completion, the students will neatly sort and arrange the bottles to build structures such as flowerbeds, tables, chairs, bookshelves, etc.

Completing the eco-bricks.

Transport.

Check the quality of the bricks.

Each eco-bricks are made from candy wrappers, styrofoam boxes, and plastic cups. Instead of throwing them in the trash as before, they are now cleaned, dried, cut into small pieces, and tightly packed inside plastic bottles. This method not only deals with nylon waste in the schoolyard but also creates bricks for construction projects.

Build a bookshelf.

A friendly library corner made from eco-friendly tiles.

To make ecobricks, you will need: clean, dry plastic bottles that are intact and not punctured or broken (500ml - 1.5l bottles can be used), soft or hard plastic bags, styrofoam boxes, disposable plastic cups, packaging materials, plastic wrap, straws… all must be clean and dry. Making a brick is quite simple; just open the bottle cap and stuff the waste plastic materials inside. For hard and large materials, cut them into smaller pieces and stuff them in layers. Then, use a chopstick or long stick to press and compact the materials into the bottle. The bottom of the bottle should be filled with soft plastic or easily crumpled material, the sides should be tightly packed, and the center will automatically become firm and solid. After the bottle is tightly packed and solidified, close the cap to create a complete ecobrick. Ecobricks are not only easy to make and inexpensive but also more effective than conventional bricks. Hopefully, more Ecobrick projects will be widely developed in the international community and in Vietnam, especially for young children and students, helping them understand and be aware of environmental protection. In 2024, the "Happy Vietnam" photo and video contest will continue to be organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications in coordination with the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists on the website.   https://happy.vietnam.vn is open to all Vietnamese citizens and foreigners aged 15 and above. The competition aims to honor individuals and groups with positive informational products that make practical contributions to promoting a beautiful image of Vietnam to the world . Through this, it helps people at home, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends access authentic images of Vietnam, its people, its achievements in ensuring human rights, and towards a happy Vietnam. Each competition category (photos and videos) has the following prizes and prize values: – 1 Gold Medal: 70,000,000 VND – 2 Silver Medals: 20,000,000 VND – 3 Bronze Medals: 10,000,000 VND – 10 Consolation Prizes: 5,000,000 VND – 1 Most Voted entry: 5,000,000 VND. Winning authors will be invited by the Organizing Committee to attend the Award Ceremony and Certificate Presentation, broadcast live on Vietnam Television.

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