CHAPTER 4: OUTCOMES DESCRIPTION

Details of the Socio-Economic Survey of the Village/Habitation

A socio-economic survey was conducted in the village at various area about their family
backgrounds, incomes, professions, education, abilities, financial status, ages, health, housing
facilities and their mindsets.

Some of our questions included; Are they willing to send their children to school? Are they
aware of the opportunities that government provide their children. Are they willing to send
their children to remote places for education? Their ideology off the education system.

After the survey we found out, people from this area are predominantly fishermen,
daily wage workers, people who work in industries etc. they are mostly comprised of people
from lower income backgrounds, this area are very resilient about sending children to schools
and unaware of many or all the benefits that government provides. Despite the resilience the
families are willing to send their children to school.
 Describe the problems you have identified in the community

After survey there were many problems identified which included:

• More plastic usage

• Using of plastic carry bags
• Plastic cups
• Not Dustbins at shops
• Blocked Drainage
• No awareness about plastic usage and it effects
• More single use plastic
• Improper Disposing of Plastic and Garbage
• Plastic Products and Toys
• PET Plastic Bottles
• Failure to Recycle or Up-cycle
Short-term and long-term action plan for possible solutions for the problems
identified and that could be recommended to the concerned authorities for
implementation.
SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEMS:

1. Reduce Your Use of Single-Use Plastics

Wherever you live, the easiest and most direct way that you can get started is by reducing your
own use of single-use plastics. Single-use plastics include plastic bags, water bottles, straws,
cups, utensils, dry cleaning bags, take-out containers, and any other plastic items that are used
once and then discarded.

The best way to do this is by a) refusing any single-use plastics that you do not need (e.g.
straws, plastic bags, takeout utensils, takeout containers), and b) purchasing, and carrying with
you, reusable versions of those products, including reusable grocery bags, produce bags,
bottles, utensils, coffee cups, and dry cleaning garment bags. And when you refuse single-use
plastic items, help businesses by letting them know that you would like them to offer
alternatives.

2. Recycle Properly

This should go without saying, but when you use single-use (and other) plastics that can be
recycled, always be sure to recycle them. At present, just 9% of plastic is recycled worldwide.
Recycling helps keep plastics out of the ocean and reduces the amount of “new” plastic in
circulation. If you need help finding a place to recycle plastic waste near you, check Earth911’s
recycling directory. It’s also important to check with your local recycling center about the types
of plastic they accept.

LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS FOR THE PROBLEMS:

1. Wean yourself off disposable plastics

Ninety percent of the plastic items in our daily lives are used once and then chucked: grocery
bags, plastic wrap, disposable cutlery, straws, coffee-cup lids. Take note of how often you rely
on these products and replace them with reusable versions. It only takes a few times of bringing
your own bags to the store, silverware to the office, or travel mug.

2. Stop buying water.

Each year, close to 20 billion plastic bottles are tossed in the trash. Carry a reusable bottle in
your bag, and you’ll never be caught having to resort to a Poland Spring or Evian again. If
you’re nervous about the quality of your local tap water, look for a model with a built-in filter.

3. Boycott microbeads.

Those little plastic scrubbers found in so many beauty products facial scrubs, toothpaste, body
washes might look harmless, but their tiny size allows them to slip through treatment. plants.
Unfortunately, they also look just like food to some marine animals.
Description of the Community awareness programme conducted w.r.t
the problems and their outcomes.

As a part of our project an awareness camp is conducted . This included:

Interacting with people : We personally interacted with people and talked
to them and tried to aware about the impact Of plastic waste.
Asking them questions: We asked them questions to suggest better path for
individuals and groups.

Getting questions from them: A key part of our awareness camp is to get
questions from them as this encourages them to involve and get a complete idea About impact
of plastic on environment and also on us.

General awareness speech: Giving speeches to them for giving an idea about
impact of plastic on environment and also on us.

Giving guidelines: Guidelines on how to tackle their economic challenges

motivating them to use alternatives for plastic
 CHAPTER 5:Report of the mini-project work done in the related subject
w.r.t the habitation/village

Abstract

The problems identified were problems that were raised due to lack of guidance and knowledge. These can
be easily solved just by searching on internet but due to their less experience and knowledge they can be
easily swayed.

The main and common problem that is identified is related to career after 10th and hence this topic is selected.
Most problems and be solved with relatively simple solutions of having more awareness camps.

These problems can be addressed as problems due to ignorance and general absence of reason for frequent
camps and awareness sessions. These might also be due to the ideology at home and general community this
needs to be addressed for betterment of people.

INTRODUCTION: Convert Plastic into Bricks

One cannot ignore the fact that how useful plastic material is and has become an inseparable
part of human life. Just like the coin has two sides so does plastic and therefore getting rid of
plastic is no easy task since it is non-biodegradable in nature. After it has been used it is ready
to wreak havoc in the environment.
Plastic is an engineered material that invites the attention of the researchers and scientists since
it carries the potential to be employed in numerous uses. The properties of plastic material are
such that they are indistinctive. Possibly, plastic is a material that can be mixed with every kind
of other material.

Plastic enjoys being a synthesis of synthetic and semi synthetic compounds that are organic in
nature. It beautifully showcases being malleable and ductile in properties. It entails a wide
range of applications like in furniture, plastic utensils, bottles etc.

In order to put a stop on the menace created by plastics, we must readily employ the methods
and ways that must be technically advanced. Otherwise the situation would take a u turn and
create problems.

In our country India, incinerators are used majorly for the purpose of disposing the plastic waste
which is subjected to high temperatures. The gases released as a result of this process pollutes
the environment in a ridiculous manner. Moreover, the harmful gases don't spare the humans,
causing them respiratory and other problems.
The underlying problem is that the plastic is endowed as being a necessity and the government
might think twice before putting a ban on its use. Hence we must find ways to reuse it again
and again.
Nowadays innovative ways have come up that make use of plastic like in the construction and
transportation sector. Mainly in the construction field plastic is now seen to be used as bricks
which in itself a lucrative way of reusing plastic.

Plastic Bricks: Required Materials

In order to give birth to plastic bricks following materials would be required:

• Requirement of plastic waste in the form of polythene bags or other

materials
• A brick mould is required.
• Heat of approximately 100 to 500 degrees Celsius is required which can be
fulfilled by having an electric oven.
• A jet sprinkler must be kept handy
• Further, a metal plate for covering would be required.
• And last but not the least, a compressing rod would be needed.

Process to Convert Plastic to Bricks?

The very initial step is to collect and sort the plastic waste from the pile of other accumulated
waste. This shall ensure that what we get is only plastic material. Following it, make sure that
the waste plastic is totally dry and moisture-free.

Thereafter, with the help of a crushing machine, plastic is broken into small particles.
Subsequently, the waste plastic is further crushed until it is reduced to being fine in nature.

The ratio of the plastic used and the stone dust can be maintained to be 3:7. The stone dust to
be used can be sieved up to 4.75 mm by employing sieve analysis. Further, the stone dust is
heated with the help of the furnace. Also, the fine particles of plastic are subjected to high
temperatures up until it converts into liquid form.

Now here comes the interesting part, the stone dust and melted plastic are mixed together in a
proper fashion. The mixture is then pounded into molds which is left for drying for almost a
day. After it has dried, demould it.

The brick is prepared and is ready to be used in the construction process. The average weight
of each brick will lie to approximately 2.5 kgs.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Plastic Bricks?
Plastic bricks which are also called eco-bricks enjoy many advantages over the traditionally
used materials for construction. The major advantage lies in the fact that they entail zero cost.
Also, they are light in weight and work wonders when it comes to absorbing shocks caused by
loads. It ensures that the waste plastic is being repurposed in a useful way.

The advantages might be many in numbers but we cannot be deaf and blind to the downsides.
Considering the fact that eco-bricks are made up of plastic and that in turn makes them
susceptible to being non-biodegradable. Also, it presents difficulty when it comes to the
sticking mortar.

Plastic bricks present a false appearance of being sturdy but the reality check is that they tend
to deform on the application of pressure. This would put a cap on its use.

Another disadvantage is that it can become soft due to UV radiation. Also, it is flammable so
care must be taken.
Plastic bricks product: An analysis
The product that comes out in the form of plastic bricks, which are popularly called as eco-
bricks when put to analysis give us the inference that they are quite light in weight and can be
molded into desired shapes.
CHAPTER 6: RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE
MINI PROJECT

The advent of recycled plastic building materials is changing the construction landscape as we
know it today.

Plastic waste is inescapable. It is everywhere. From the waste bin in the yard to the huge dump
in the ocean, plastic accounts for almost 90% of all the waste generated.

Plastic is the cheapest and the most common material around, and it is primarily designed for
single use. Once the products encased in plastic are used, the plastic packaging is discarded.

As is well known, plastic is not biodegradable; i.e., it cannot naturally decompose. Plastic
products hang around for hundreds of years before showing even the earliest signs of
degradation. But even then, they cannot decay; they only become smaller.

Now, to protect the lovely planet Earth from this non-decaying material, recycling can put
plastic to good use. One of the industries making good use of recycled plastic is building and
construction, where recycled plastic is used to produce some new and innovative sustainable
building materials.

Not only bricks but also many products can be made with the above process and some are listed
below:

7 Recycled Plastic Building Materials Revamping Construction

Thanks to advancements in technology, plastic waste can be recycled into building materials
that are strong enough to replace wood and metal. The most notable recycled plastic building
materials with current applications include:

1. Floor Tiles

For several years now, tile has been the most preferred floor covering for a home, and flooring
materials containing recycled plastic have become more common.

The advantages of sustainable plastic-based floor tiles include:

Less breakage during transport Easier, faster, and safer to transport Easier to clean Easy to
install Less noise Competitive pricing

2. Lumber

Lumber naturally comes from trees and is used mainly for structural purposes, but it also has
other uses, including furniture and other items requiring cutting and shaping.

In construction, lumber has been used for rails and bridges. Wood is prone to damage from
insects and the weather and must be sprayed with chemicals to protect the wood and these are
harmful to the environment besides time and cost consuming. On the other hand, plastic-based
lumber does not require spraying, and it is lighter than steel and stronger, and less flammable
than wood.
3. Fences

Fences are an essential feature of a home as they help contain children and pets within the
property, keep out rodents and other animals, display boundaries, protect the yard or lawn, etc.

Builders and homeowners can prioritize sustainability by designing and erecting fences made
of reinforced recycled plastic. Fences built with recycled building material such as plastic:

Can withstand many weather elements without rotting Are durableAre easier and faster to erect
Can have paint mixed in during production

4. Roofing Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are heavy, difficult to install, and not eco-friendly. Using recycled plastics
to build roofing tiles, on the other hand, has far more environmental and economic benefits
than more expensive materials like slate and concrete tiles, yet it does not compromise the
quality.

Roofing tiles made from recycled plastics:

Are lighter, thereby reducing hauling fees Are easier and faster to install Have lower “damage”
percentages Have a better insulation capacity.

5. Smart Gravel

Smart Gravel is one of the newest recycled building materials revamping the construction
landscape. Pioneered by Arqlite, an Argentinian-based company, Smart Gravel has received
much attention due to its versatility and eco-friendliness.

Smart Gravel can be used in a concrete mix to replace some of the natural gravel to reduce its
carbon footprint. For non-structural applications, it can be used as the only aggregate in a
concrete mix to produce super-light concrete.

Smart Gravel can be used in:

Paving blocks French drain Decorative concrete Concrete boundary walls and fences Concrete
sidewalks Soil less growing mediums (hydroponics)Drainage systems Pots and raised garden
beds Septic tanks

Some benefits of products made with Smart Gravel include:

Reduced weight Durability Easy transportation Improved thermal and acoustic insulation Easy
installation and removal

6. Bricks

Bricks were probably the first construction materials to draw attention when the construction
industry began moving toward environmentally friendly building practices.

Many attempts have been made to make bricks as green as possible, and scientists have
experimented with bricks containing recycled plastic. These bricks are heat resistant and can
be used in the construction of pavements, sidewalks, outdoor flooring, road construction, etc.
7. Concrete

Due to its strength and durability, concrete has become one of the most reliable materials in the
construction of both commercial and domestic buildings. Builders use concrete for important
parts of a structure like the foundation, stairs, pillars, decking, and roof.

To produce greener and stronger concrete, students at the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology (MIT) experimented with mixing the irradiated plastic powder with cement paste.