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Creating eco-bricks from plastic waste

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Businesswoman and owner of The Nut Man, Sarah Goldstein, has recently started an eco-brick programme that encourages women to turn waste into valuable materials for various purposes. One of the upcycled products is the eco-brick which is made from plastic waste and bottles.The company's latest project involves collecting and recycling bottles and various plastic materials to make the eco-bricks. They collect the discarded bottles and plastic separately and have bottle-filling sessions once a week. Currently, Goldstein works with women from around Cape Town to produce the eco-bricks.

Eco-brick project empowers women

The project provides the opportunity for those involved to learn a new skill, empower the women by teaching them how to upcycle, and possibly even inspiring them it into starting small businesses of their own.The project currently uses women from Athlone, Samora Machel, Gugulethu and Khayelitsha. It started with Sarah’s employees as a means of empowerment but she insists that everyone can be part of the eco-brick project. She says the making of an eco-brick requires no special skills, simply the willingness to make a difference in the world.“Everyone can be part of the eco-brick project. I believe in the starfish philosophy – one person making a difference, no matter how small, makes a difference in the universe. If we all just make a small difference we can effect big changes for the better,” says Goldstein.

Goldstein started The Nut Man

The Nut Man specialises in manufacturing a range of coated and flavoured nuts which are supplied to major supermarkets, including Shoprite Checkers. The philosophy behind the business has always been one of environmental and social responsibility. They are dedicated to empowering and upskilling their staff. For example, they have a programme in place to help staff members build their own homes and educate their children.The majority of the women that work at The Nut Man have no prior work experience but are taught to cook, manage their work quota, hygiene systems, quality control methods and how to work in a team.The Nut Man gives back via donations to worthy causes and cares deeply about the environment. They make every effort to source locally grown products to ensure that they maintain a 'green' footprint.___Averda is a leading waste management provider with over 50 years of experience across three continents. Throughgrowth,transformation andengagement, we strive to findnew ways of managing waste while protecting the community and environment.___By pairing international expertise withlocal insights, we have secured our position as one of South Africa’s most respected providers ofwaste management and industrial cleaning services. We also operate in therecycling, pipe inspection, CCTV,infrastructure inspection, hydro-demolition, high-pressure water jetting and catalyst handling industries.___Follow usFacebook,Twitter andLinkedIn for the best tips on recycling and the latest industry news. See ourInstagram andYouTube channels for more insights into environmental affairs and our work with local communities.[/cherry_col][/cherry_row]