Recent studies have indicated that over 90 percent of plastic isn’t recycled. Countries with improper waste management systems amass large landfills and dumping grounds of waste, which often lead to harmful practices like burning waste. Children are especially vulnerable to air pollution since their lungs and brains are still maturing.
In Côte d'Ivoire, the capital city of Abidjan produces 288 tons of plastic waste each day, 90 percent of which is found polluting low income communities. Only 5 percent of plastic waste is recycled in Cote d’Ivoire, mostly informally by women and for very low prices.
To combat this multi-faceted issue, UNICEF has partnered with the social enterprise, Conceptos Plasticos, to create a woman-led recycling market that will convert Côte d'Ivoire’s plastic waste into safe and durable low-cost building materials. Together with Conceptos Plasticos, UNICEF will use plastic bricks initially to build new classrooms and schools.
Already, more than 55 school classrooms have been constructed using the plastic bricks. Over 305 tons of plastic have been recycled and more than 2800 children are at school.
At the cost of only $48,000, UNICEF and Conceptos Plasticos can build an entire classroom, complete with desks, chairs, school supplies, teacher trainings and more.
This Earth Day, you can support this innovative program.
• $4 can purchase one brick
• $40 can purchase ten bricks
• $441 can supply 1,000 textbooks
With your support, UNICEF Won't Stop until children can learn in a healthy environment.
