SAN SIMON -- From plastic as a problem to plastic as a solution.

This was the idea in mind of Dr. Rhoda Tayag, research consultant of the local government here, when she introduced the idea of “ecobricks” to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) in an aim to reduce plastic waste in this town.

Tayag described the process of ecobricking as stuffing of solid non-biodegradable materials such as straw and plastic packaging into a plastic bottle to produce an artificial construction material called ecobricks.

While the concept did not originated from her, Tayag said that she adopted and brought the idea of ecobricking to San Simon as part of the sustainable eco-friendly programs implemented by the MENRO.

“We all know how many years a piece of plastic needs before it will decompose. And before it can reach that year of decomposition, it may have already choked a sea creature or cause illness to people that is why we need to act faster,” she said.

Through the use of ecobricks, Tayag said that they were already able to construct different products such as tables, chairs and decorative materials that are currently utilized by public schools in the town.

She noted that they asked students and teachers to collect plastic waste and plastic bottles which can be transformed into an ecobrick, and then assembled them into productive items.

“We have already constructed chairs and tables that are now being used by students of San Simon High School, and the letter standees that welcome students, parents, teachers and visitors of Sta. Monica High School,” Tayag said.

“Through ecobricking, we were able to reach a higher form of recycling as we did not only reduce plastic waste but also produce productive things,” she said.

Currently, Tayag said they continue to advocate ecobricking through its #NoToPlasticPollution;YesToPlasticSolution” drive which is launched schools, business establishments and communities in the town.

She also expressed hope that other local government units and communities will also adopt the concept and do their part in preserving the environment.

“We are far from being successful in this project but with the cooperation and unity of the community, and the guidance provided by the local government, we know that we are in the right path of saving the environment,” she said.