Nigerians are building game-changing earthquake-proof homes from plastic bottles

Plastic waste is a massive environmental challenge, with production skyrocketing since the 1950s. Because plastic is non-biodegradable, it persists in the environment for generations, contributing to pollution on a global scale. However, in Nigeria, an inspiring solution is emerging. Some innovative companies are repurposing plastic bottles to create sustainable building materials, turning environmental waste into opportunity. These "bottle brick" homes are not only eco-friendly but are engineered to be remarkably durable—capable of withstanding earthquakes and even bullets.

The ingenuity behind this technique first captured attention in the village of Yelwa, where the country’s first house made entirely from recycled plastic bottles, sand, and mud has become a beacon of innovation. This unique home has drawn visitors from all over, including government officials, community leaders, and curious citizens. As highlighted by Power of Positivity, this project exemplifies how creative solutions can address pressing environmental issues while empowering communities.

The construction process is as innovative as it is visually striking. Each plastic bottle is filled tightly with sand, with the bottle bottoms facing outward, creating a distinctive look on the exterior walls. These "bottle bricks" are stacked like traditional bricks and held together with mud. In keeping with Nigerian architectural traditions, the homes are often built in a circular shape, harmonizing with the local aesthetic while also enhancing stability.

Despite their appealing design, the main goal of these homes is to reduce plastic waste by giving discarded bottles a new purpose. Each of these eco-friendly homes typically includes a bedroom, living room, bathroom, toilet, and kitchen. Building one structure requires approximately 7,800 plastic bottles, showcasing the impressive scale of this recycling effort. So far, companies have constructed 25 of these bottle-brick homes, and their popularity is growing among those committed to sustainable living. Each house is built on a solid concrete foundation, with the plastic bottle walls adding strength and insulation.

The innovative method has attracted interest abroad, with a Greek businessman and environmentalist donating a large sum of money for the project. While the “bottle brick” technology might have caught on in Nigeria, it was initially tried in India, South America, and Central America close to a decade ago. It is a cost-effective and eco-friendly option compared with traditional brick homes, which makes it accessible to many. According to Yahaya Ahmed of Nigeria’s Development Association for Renewable Energies, plastic bottle houses cost 67% less than a home built from concrete and brick. He also added that with sand compactly packed in plastic bottles, the homes have 20 times the strength of bricks. Ahmed says the company has already made plans to build a three-story home using plastic bottles and mud. 

The homes are well suited to the hot Nigerian climate. The sand helps block the heat and keeps the homes cool. Plastic pollution in developing countries like Nigeria is a major issue, due to the lack of recycling centers and waste management. Plastic is dumped and this creates environmental issues. Companies are hoping the "brick technology" homes can help channel more of the plastic into such avenues and thus avoid plastic waste. Bottled water accounts for 20-25% of all water sales, which totals roughly 500 million liters of water per year, according to market research company Zenith International. These bottles are usually discarded, creating a significant environmental problem. Now, with such projects coming about, used bottles are in demand, ensuring less disposal of plastic in public spaces and bodies of water.

While many have praised the technology and its way of repurposing plastic, some argue that it could create an even bigger issue in the long term. Because sand forms a huge part of the building, the increased demand could lead to increased digging, creating scarcity and in turn leading to increased demand for sand. This could cause the prices of such homes to increase drastically and negate the cost-effective aspect of it. Many still have hope that the technology could create affordable structures, aiding progress. The Development Association for Renewable Energies is now planning on building a school to help educate people in the region and create more job opportunities.

This article originally appeared 2 years ago.