At the end of 2020, some exciting news regarding the innovation of creating plastic bricks came out into the focus of attention – a young materials engineer in Kenya, Nzambi Matee, is converting recycled waste made of plastic into pavement bricks. These remarkable plastic bricks are even tougher than the traditional bricks we are used to and even concrete – this being the case as the plastic bricks may not break or crack as easily due to their compressed plastic material nature.
Figure 1: Nzambi Matee and her effort towards a greener society.
In this article I will be looking into how these bricks are created, Nzambi’s plan ahead and how we as individuals can take similar steps towards green solutions. See below for the informative YouTube video created by The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at the bottom section of this article.
Nzambi Matee is a materials engineer, an inventor and an entrepreneur. She is also the leader of the company “Gjenge Makers”, which produces sustainable low-cost construction materials that is made out of recycled plastic waste and sand. Here is a link to the company website: https://gjenge.co.ke.
Figure 2: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) [1].
Nzambi has been named a “Young Champion of the Earth 2020 – Africa Winner” by the UN for her great achievements in recycling. Young Champions of the Earth is an award associated with solutions of forward-thinking that are designed or created to uphold ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists [1].
Figure 3: Photo by Gjenge Makers.
This is not the first time recycled plastic has been used for foundations and pavements. In fact, it has been used in Hyderabad in India [2]. Here it was also used for housing:
An immensely moral character
Her entrepreneurial spirit and will to help people within regions that are struggling with plastic waste, is truly remarkable and of immense moral character. This will boost the spirit for anyone who is struggling with working for a greener economy. Nzambi describes that she would like to stay true to your why. For instance, why are you doing what you do and what is your motivation behind your work.
Figure 4: Stay true to your why.
For her, it was because she was put on the sidelines and seeing the devastating impact of plastic. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) conveys the information that every single minute, a million plastic bottles are purchased across the world, the majority of which are not recycled.
Figure 5: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) [1].
Converting something negative into something positive
She has dedicated to help her community with her skillset in creating something out of what is often known as “useless” waste that we may not do much with – namely plastic waste. But in this wonderful case, with machines that have been obtained to “compress” the plastic waste, these can be converted into bricks. As of December 2020, these were used as household bricks to lay brick foundations or paving blocks, but the applications can become more widespread in the future.
Figure 6: A mind map has been created to illustrate the three sub-elements of the production of plastic bricks and their associated materials, costs and benefits.
The business model of the company and leadership of Nzambi Matee is strong. A system and approach of brainstorming, design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing and commissioning has been thought through, and a plan to grow the business from recycling 20 metric tons of waste to 50 metric tons of waste by the end of 2021. The current capacity of the three machines is at producing 1000 to 1500 bricks a day.
Figure 7: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) [1].
A Circular Economy – Changing the mindset
Nzambi is changing the mindset of what is possible, giving people a new outlook and looking towards creating opportunities and progress with innovative ideas. As explained in the video below, Nzambi hopes to help create a mindset of motivation for others including youths, and bring about an impact to create innovations or changes in different areas.
As we become more aware of our environment and surroundings, we may be able to take steps just like Nzambi, who is setting an example for how plastic pollution can be reduced and maintain environmental integrity within the areas that are impacted by human intervention, invasive species or other issues. As we learn and take action towards building a business on the different levels of brainstorming, design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing and commissioning – we may be able to solve issues that are close to us and at the same time be true to our why.
Sources
[1] UNEP. 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.unep.org/youngchampions/news/story/building-blocks-greener-nairobi
[2] BBC. 2018. Indian homes and pavements made from plastic – BBC News. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/business-45654891
[3] Corbley, Andy. Feb 6. 2021. [Online]. Available: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/young-woman-in-kenya-makes-plastic-bricks-out-of-recycled-waste/
[4] UNEP. 2020. [Online]. Available:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbZKP4UAtL8&feature=emb_title
