Bottlebrick construction
Making bottlebricks to tap the dead plastic waste generated in the ecologically and economically vulnerable zones has been the primary target of GreenAmmo. Once we have managed to create awareness and mobilize the communities we have worked with towards tapping dead plastic waste, we dediced to take this a step ahead and delve into greener construction using the bottlebricks made by the local commune. This would not only help to maintain the cleanliness, sustainability and greenery within the community but also give an opportunity to ensure sustainable infrastructural development. On one hand we are enabling the generation of economy through making of bottlebricks and on the other hand we are giving skills development training by educating the local people on how to convert the bottlebricks into a raw material for construction of various kinds.
The nature and type of construction that we delve upon is a decision which is a combination of the desire of the local community and the availability of all the essential raw materials. From a simple bench to an entire Home can be built using these bricks. We indulge in making bottle brick construction with a number of available resources such as bamboo, spare wood, spare metal, left over concrete and so on.
This campaign gives the labourers who have channelized a lot of their time and energy into making bottlebricks to also enjoy the end result and be a part of community development. We always ensure that the people who build the structure along with us are the local masons so that they are not dependent on GreenAmmo for future constructions. We believe in dispersing the knowledge and skills ahead. Additionally, our years of experience have shown us that the local villagers are highly experienced in skill and they have given us a lot of input on how such constructions can be made better. They have been as much a teacher to us as we have been to them.
For the construction, the village often generates funds. We have had Panchayats helping us, the local schools taking part as well as influential people in the villages coming together to make their area a cleaner and greener vicinity.
Check the link below to see how bottlebricks are converted into bottlebrick blocks:
Glass bottle construction
GreenAmmo is also trying to address the problem of glass waste. In many of the remote places where GreenAmmo operates, there exists a challenge in recycling glass waste. This is mainly due to logistical challenges of transporting glass bottles to recycling centres. The challenges include the risks of glass breaking which makes it a hazard for handling purposes. Much of these locations do not have road access and the transportation requires manual transportation or the use of mules, as a result the bottles has to be transported with extra caution, The value generated by recycling glass bottles does not cover the logistical costs, thus there is a lack of initiative from local businesses (cafe’s, restaurants and homestays) and homes in these areas to transport these bottles to the recyclers. As a result, these bottles are often discarded in nature. GreenAmmo is trying to address this issue by setting up a collection system for glass bottles and using these bottles for construction.
By diverting glass bottles from landfills or recycling centers, the program aims to reduce the amount of waste generated and promote a circular economy. This leads to a significant reduction in the environmental impact associated with glass bottle disposal. Utilizing discarded glass bottles as construction material reduces the need for virgin materials such as bricks or concrete, conserving natural resources and minimizing the energy-intensive processes involved in their production. The program aims to raise awareness among businesses, communities, and the general public about the potential of discarded glass bottles in construction. By showcasing successful projects and providing educational resources, GreenAmmo seeks to inspire individuals to adopt sustainable practices and consider innovative solutions for waste management. The program fosters collaboration with small businesses, local communities, and construction professionals, creating a sense of ownership and involvement in sustainable initiatives. It encourages active participation in glass bottle collection, segregation, and construction activities, strengthening community bonds and promoting a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. By incorporating discarded glass bottles into construction projects, the program helps to reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction materials. Glass is an inert material that does not emit harmful gases, and using it as a building resource contributes to the overall sustainability of structures. The program provides economic opportunities for small businesses and local communities by establishing partnerships for glass bottle collection and creating demand for their waste materials. It supports the growth of a sustainable economy and encourages the development of small-scale enterprises centered around waste management and construction.
