Group of Philippine Recycles turn plastic waste into sustainable materials

A group of recyclers in the Philippines are attempting to lessen the country's increasing plastic waste crisis by converting bottles, single-use sachets, and snack food wrappers that clog rivers and contaminate beaches into building materials.

The Plastic Goamingo commonly known as the “The Plaf” a social enterprise collects plastic waste, shreds it, and then shapes it into posts and planks known as "eco-lumber" that can be used for fencing, decking, or even disaster-relief shelters. All of the material user are upcycled and 100% made from plastic waste materials.

Having almost 100 tonnes of plastic waste being collected in the oceans until now, Philippines alone contributed almost one third of this waste according to a 2021 report by Oxford University's Our World in Data.

The Covid-19 , has made the battle against plastic waste harder to win which sparked a rush for plastic face shields, gloves, takeaway food containers and bubble wrap as online shopping surged.

The Philippines does not have a clear strategy on tackling its plastics problem and its environment department has said it has been in contact with manufacturers to identify ways to manage waste.

In addition to addressing waste issues, the group says it is in discussions with other non-governmental organizations to support in the reconstruction of houses destroyed by typhoons using their sustainable building materials.

By: Chelsy Angelica Loyola