With a handful of clean single-use plastics, NMU students have the opportunity to learn a new way to protect the environment. On Thursday, March 21 at 5 p.m., they can meet in Jamrich 1311 to learn how to ecobrick.
“We decided to host an ecobricking event because many people don’t know that certain kinds of plastics cannot be recycled,” EcoReps Outreach Intern Mollie Haremza said. “And even for those that do know, many don’t know what to do with these materials besides throwing them away.”
Ecobricking is the practice of using recycled materials to build different structures. Haremza says students attending the workshop will not only learn a new way to be environmentally friendly, but they will also be informed of ways to recycle locally.
“I think an event like this is important for college students because ecobricking is a simple way to reduce our everyday carbon footprint,” Haremza said. “As students it can be difficult to avoid buying budget-friendly products with plastic packaging, and we acknowledge this. Ecobricking gives a second life to these plastics.”
Haresma added clean, used plastic wrappers and bottles will be brought to the workshop and used to ecobrick. Students are encouraged to bring their own plastics for the event.
“I hope that through this event people will grow their understanding of recycling and reusing,” Haremza said. “Even if ecobricking doesn’t become part of their daily life, knowing that there are alternatives to throwing away these plastics is very important.”
