The idea…
Let us begin with the concept of Up-cycling. By definition, upcycling is the process of converting waste, unwanted, useless materials and by-products into new products or materials of better or higher quality or value either economic or environmental or both. A bottlebrick is therefore an up-cycled product where waste such as wrappers, packaging, polythene or any form of plastic thrown away as well as empty one-time use plastic bottles is combined to form a raw material for construction or furnishings. The moment it takes the form of a raw material, it attaches itself with a commercial/utility value.
Keeping in mind the above, the Pay Per Brick Campaign was started under the thought process that in this busy schedule of life and force of habit, people often fail to contribute towards maintaining an ecological balance. Even if they have an intention they lack the time for it. To make this section of population a part of our work, successes and growth, that we believe should be done and cherished by every individual, since we all are essentially consuming species, the Pay Per Brick concept was framed.
The approach
It is a simple approach whereby any individual, from any part of the globe will be able to sponsor at least ONE brick (an up-cycled product), that is kept at INR 13 only. One can choose to sponsor as MANY bottlebricks as they wish to. The per unit cost involves the labour, time, accessories (cement, sand, glue, mats etc), transport and electricity required to make a bottle brick.
| Particulars | Price (INR) |
| Labor | 7.00 |
| Accessories | 3.00 |
| Electricity | 1.00 |
| Transportation | 2.00 |
| Total | 13.00 |
Why sponsor for waste that is essentially valueless?
Let’s take an example that is more relevant to all:
Mud/clay is free. But when it’s converted into brick, it comes with a price tag. Why? Because human labor is not free. Because the other equipment needed to make clay into brick is not free. Right? So the apparently easily accessible mud comes with a price tag once it becomes a brick.
We need to provide the basic equipment to convert waste into bricks. Sadly, magic is still not a thing in the world of waste to get things done with a snap. We need to make sure longevity of such bottle bricks if we are asking people to use it as a substitute for clay bricks.
Secondly, since we are involving the local communities to do this work with us, we do not want them to do it for free. Their lives are already filled with a lot of hurdles. That will be exploitation of human resource and the initial fun of doing something new will fizzle out very soon. So we want to incentivize them for the effort they are putting. Coming from a developing country, we believe adding value in the price cycle will help us boost overall economic value. Like a small CSR for all. After all we all are consumers!
So you see, the sponsorship is not for waste. It is for the labour and resources that go into the conversation of waste to wealth process. (Tintin, 2020)
What do you gain?
Well, technically , every 1liter bottle taps around 450g to 500g of plastic waste. You are not only getting the benefit of a world with that quantity of lesser plastic in the environment, but also actively taking a part towards REAL action.
At the same time you are helping the rural communities across the Himalayas and the coasts to become sustainable in their living and lifestyle. The villagers will make the bottles with more zeal because of the value given to their labour. It is not just A brick but a chain of events you are being a part of.
GreenAmmo will ensure that each of your sponsored money reaches the target. If you desire, we will get you in touch with the village/ group/ individual for a lovely conversation or even a face-to-face meeting (if you would love to travel into the rustic lanes).
How to sponsor?
It is very simple. You can transfer your valuable contribution to the following bank details. Every penny you send will go to those hands who work the hardest to keep this planet a better place for both you and me