All About
Eko Bloks
An Eko Blok is a sustainable building block crafted entirely from non-recyclable plastic. Each Eko Blok is formed by densely packing clean, dry plastic into a plastic bottle until it reaches a compacted state suitable for use as a building material.
Eko Bloks find their purpose in a variety of eco-conscious construction projects, offering an innovative solution for repurposing plastic waste that would otherwise contribute to landfills or pose threats to our oceans.
What are Eko Bloks used for
The plastic within an Eko Blok is exceptionally durable, ensuring it never breaks down, making it an ideal material for sustainable construction. These blocks are utilized in diverse settings, from developing countries where they construct furniture and buildings, to communities in the UK, where they're employed in building playgrounds for children.
In Mauritius, our plan is to employ Eko Bloks in numerous sustainable construction endeavors, ranging from shelter for dogs, outdoor classrooms and community gardens to composting toilets. These versatile blocks have even found their way into schools in Guatemala, where entire structures are built using these innovative plastic bottle bricks.
The possibilities are endless!
How to make an Eko Blok
1. Choose a Suitable Bottle
Select a plastic bottle for your Eko Blok. Any size bottle will work, but the average size typically ranges from 500ml to 1.5l. Ensure you choose a bottle from a product you use regularly to avoid the need to purchase a new plastic bottle solely for making an Eko Blok.
2. Prepare Your Plastic
Before filling the bottle, ensure all plastic materials are clean and dry. Dirt or moisture can lead to microbiological growth and methane formation inside the Eko Blok, potentially causing the bottle to expand or the cap to come off. It is best to cut plastic into smaller pieces to ensure that you can fit more plastic into an Eko Brik.
3. Gather Your Tools
You'll need a stick or rod to compact the plastic inside the bottle, allowing you to fit as much plastic as possible.
4. Pack Your Eko Blok
Start by cutting up the plastic into small pieces to maximize the amount that can fit into the bottle. Use the stick to compress the plastic tightly inside the bottle, ensuring it is packed as densely as possible.
5. Weigh Your Eko Blok
To ensure your Eko Blok is sturdy and robust enough for construction, weigh it to ensure it meets the required density. As a rough guide, a 500ml bottle should weigh approximately 175g when filled, while a 1.5l bottle should weigh around 500g - Max amount
6. Avoid Overfilling
While it's essential to pack your Eko Blok tightly, be cautious not to overfill it. The plastic should be compressed, but it shouldn't exert pressure on the bottle's lid, as this could cause the lid to come off.
By following these steps, you can create your own Eko Blok and contribute to reducing plastic waste in our environment.
