Rebirth Of Cobblestones

We constantly write about recycling, talk about it, and tell you how important it is. No matter how much we explain that waste plastics are not waste but treasures that should be valued, something is always missing. Recycled plastic has proven time and time again how good it is when used correctly, and that it is far superior to the elements that have been used as building materials for hundreds of years. A new project on waste plastics shows us once again why waste plastic is a precious treasure that needs to be processed.

In Nigeria, where the plastic waste problem has increased in the last few years, only 45 percent of the waste is collected. While 80 percent of plastic waste in the country goes to landfill, only 10 percent is recycled. In Nigeria, where more than 32 million tons of solid waste is generated annually, only 20 to 30 percent of it can be collected. Health experts say plastic abuse and mismanagement are responsible for most of the country's health problems.

Bashir-Kurfi, a Nigerian environmental activist and entrepreneur, teaches young girls how to recycle plastic and makes a living by selling paving stones made from plastic waste in the capital, Abuja, with the company "Ifrique Eco Solution", which he founded. Bashir-Kurfi says that plastic waste blocks waterways, causing floods and causing epidemics. Stating that he makes pavers from this waste, Bashir-Kurfi says, "I thought of long-term recycling with plastics, so I make pavers. When making pavers, I mix molten plastic waste with sand instead of cement." Stating that he aims to protect the environment and raise awareness, Bashir-Kurfi tells the people of the region how plastic waste harms the environment. . To date, Kurfi has used more than 30 tons of plastic waste to make cobblestone. In addition to their contribution to sustainability, paving stones made of plastic are much more durable and 3 times longer lasting than traditional concrete paving stones. Kurfi is aware of the potential of plastic and thinks that it can be used as a building block in the construction of buildings such as houses and schools, as well as cobblestone.

Complaining is also a choice, so is creating a solution. The young Nigerian activist has single-handedly proven that plastic waste, when used correctly, can simply be turned into profits without billion-dollar R&D activities. As long as those who choose to create solutions, we can dream of a brighter future.