This Mexican Company Is Converting Plastic Into Affordable (And Eco-Friendly) Housing

[eridani]

http://www.nationofchange.org/news/2016/01/25/this-mexican-company-is-converting-plastic-into-affordable-and-eco-friendly-housing/

The company took off in 2013 when González, who has been dismayed by the problem of plastic pollution since a child, figured out a way to turn plastic into a resource for those who can afford little.

Reportedly, the process is quite simple. First, the company collects various kinds of plastic – from soda bottles to old toys – then separates it to find the types that melt without emitting harmful fumes.

Next, the workers put the plastic into a machine to chop it up. Then, the pieces are placed in an oven that heats put o 350 degrees Celsius (over 600 degrees Fahrenheit) taking approximately half an hour to melt of the materials.

Finally, the liquid goes through a hydraulic press, which simultaneously compresses and crystallizes the plastic into the shape of the panels.

[CurtEastPoint]

1. I wish someone would come up w/a solution for unwanted glass that is not being recycled.

I keep reading that there is no market for it and most 'recycled' glass goes to the landfill.

Surely it could be made into construction products, no?

[Duppers]

2. Wow, no market for it?

Something is wrong with the system.
Please see all the uses for it:
http://www.gpi.org/recycling/glass-recycling-facts

[CurtEastPoint]

3. Here's the reason and it's not just Atlanta:

Rather than go to the trouble of separating glass from other materials, recycling companies have decided it’s less expensive to ship glass-filled debris to area landfills.

Some recycling companies treat glass like garbage because it can slash more valuable recyclables like cardboard and paper. Shards can also damage recycling machinery or pose an injury risk to workers.

Every county in the core Atlanta area works with companies that reject glass from their recycling streams.

http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/metro-atlanta-recyclers-reject-glass-ship-it-to-la/nprDq/

[Duppers]

4. Sad but good info to know.

Thank you for updating me!

[Nihil]

5. That is an excellent article!

Improves two major issues - plastic pollution & homelessness - with one solution
and also improves the lives of the trash collectors in the process!

Best of luck to them - may EcoDomum grow and expand into many other
regions.

Thanks for posting it here!




(Edit: Changed from "solves" to "improves" as I realise that this is but a step
on the road ... but it's a good one!)