LYNN — The EcoBrick US project has come to Lynn to help the city reduce plastic waste.
The project operates by turning plastic into bricks that can be used to build furniture, walkways, garden walls, and even in buildings.
Lynn is the first city to partner with EcoBrick US — led by Lynn native Nathan Gray — by taking this project on at the municipal level. Gray had previously partnered with Thurgood Marshall Middle School, his alma mater, where students were taught how to make the EcoBricks out of plastic collected in bins throughout the school.
Now that the project has expanded to the city as a whole, residents can make their own EcoBricks at home by watching YouTube videos or visiting the EcoBrick US website and Facebook page. After the EcoBricks are made, they can be dropped off at the Department of Public Works (DPW) at 250 Commercial St., and eventually at City Hall as well.
There are a few things to remember when making these, Gray said. One is to use a clean, dry plastic bottle that has a volume of 16 to 20 ounces and a height of seven to nine inches. The EcoBricks must also have at least five ounces of clean and dry plastic waste in order to be used.
These bottles are then filled with non-recyclable plastic, which Gray said makes them ideal to combat the plastic crisis. They are then joined together with silicone, the most environmentally-friendly adhesive, or plastic glue, which Gray said is best for building applications that require strength.
“It does take some effort and kind of a learning curve to be able to make the EcoBricks,” he said.
Gray said that, after making a few EcoBricks, people tend to think twice about buying plastic products at the grocery store, since they know how much work they put into reusing them and how they negatively affect the environment.
EcoBrick US’s goal is to reduce waste and help clean the environment, according to its website. Since the project began in Lynn a little over a year ago, Gray said they have received more than 1,000 EcoBricks.
There is currently an EcoBrick collection bin at the Salem High School at 77 Willson St., and Marblehead, Newburyport and Beverly have recently joined the project to put collection bins in their towns as well.
For those that are interested in EcoBricks but do not wish to build them — or don’t have the time to — a plastic waste pickup can be scheduled on the website for $10 per pound. A local designated and trained EcoBrick builder will use the donated, clean plastic waste and the money from the pickup to build the bricks, which will be used for affordable housing projects.
Gray said they are always looking for more people to learn how to build the EcoBricks to continue supporting the progression of reusing plastic.
“Plastic progression has been unexpected, but it’s definitely being pushed along and encouraged by the support we’ve been getting from the community,” he said.
He said there are many ways to reduce plastic waste, noting that they are currently reusing plastic to make city benches in Lynn.
Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre said he is pleased to be a part of this project.
“I continue to be inspired by Nathan’s innovative work,” he said. “I think having EcoBrick join our city is going to be an environmental game changer for future generations. I have been so impressed by the outpouring of recyclables and the partnership with the DPW to make this project become a reality.”
LaPierre said he looks forward to EcoBrick expanding throughout the city, and to seeing the results of that work.
Gray encourages others to step up and participate in EcoBricks, saying that every person can make a difference.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected]
