PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION : Sorting kaylites and plastic bottles through recycling at

mabvuku high school inorder to keep school environment sustainable

PROBLEM DESCRIPTION

At Mabvuku High School, there is a growing environmental concern that has reached alarming levels of
land pollution and air pollution caused by the improper disposal and burning of plastic waste. The school
is situated in an area where waste management systems are inadequate, and this has led to a
continuous buildup of plastic bottles, kaylites, and other plastic materials across the school grounds.
These plastics not only clutter the environment but also contribute significantly to the overall
degradation of the ecosystem within and around the school premises.

Currently, the most common method of disposal for plastic waste is burning, a practice that has serious
environmental and health consequences. When plastic waste, particularly items like plastic bottles and
kaylites, is burned, it releases harmful chemicals and toxins into the air, including carcinogens such as
dioxins, furans, and benzene. These airborne pollutants can cause serious respiratory problems,
including asthma, bronchitis, and other lung diseases, which have already begun to affect some
members of the school community. This burning process also contributes to global warming by emitting
greenhouse gases, further impacting the larger environment.

Additionally, the plastic waste that is burned or discarded improperly accumulates on the school
grounds, leading to unsightly land pollution. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose,
which means that even if the waste is discarded, it will persist in the environment for generations. This
creates a toxic, unattractive environment that detracts from the school's aesthetic appeal and overall
learning atmosphere. The plastic waste also poses a danger to local wildlife and contributes to the
contamination of nearby water sources, as rainwater can carry the chemicals and plastics into local
rivers or drainage systems.

Despite the widespread knowledge of the harmful effects of plastic pollution, there remains a lack of an
effective waste management strategy at the school. Students and staff often have limited options for
proper waste disposal, leading to indiscriminate burning and dumping of plastic waste. Additionally,
there is a lack of awareness and practical solutions for recycling or reusing plastic materials, further
exacerbating the situation.

Additionally, the plastic waste that is burned or discarded improperly accumulates on the school
grounds, leading to unsightly land pollution. Plastic waste can take hundreds of years to decompose,
which means that even if the waste is discarded, it will persist in the environment for generations. This
creates a toxic, unattractive ,environment that detracts from the school's aesthetic appeal and overall
learning atmosphere. The plastic waste also poses a danger to local wildlife and contributes to the
contamination of nearby water sources, as rainwater can carry the chemicals and plastics into local
rivers or drainage systems.

Despite the widespread knowledge of the harmful effects of plastic pollution, there remains a lack of an
effective waste management strategy at the school. Students and staff often have limited options for
proper waste disposal, leading to indiscriminate burning and dumping of plastic waste. Additionally,
there is a lack of awareness and practical solutions for recycling or reusing plastic materials, further
exacerbating the situation.

This problem, however, presents an opportunity to make a positive change. The need for sustainable
waste management solutions is urgent. By addressing this issue, Mabvuku High School can not only
reduce pollution but also promote environmental responsibility, creating a cleaner, healthier
environment for students and the surrounding community.

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Statement of Intent

The environmental challenges faced at Mabvuku High School, specifically the excessive land and air
pollution caused by the burning of plastic bottles and kaylites, have raised significant concerns regarding
the health and well-being of the school community. The practice of burning plastic waste leads to the
release of harmful toxins into the air, contributing to respiratory problems among students and staff,
while the accumulation of plastic waste also results in unsightly land pollution. These issues not only
degrade the quality of life but also threaten the environment and future sustainability.

The purpose of this project is to address these pressing environmental problems by introducing an
innovative plastic recycling program at Mabvuku High School. Instead of burning plastics, we aim to
recycle plastic bottles and kaylites to create usable materials, such as eco-friendly building products
(e.g., plastic bricks or tiles), or other useful items that can be repurposed for school infrastructure or art
projects, also we can sell the kaylites to recycling organisations to get little percentage of money that
can help us as school rather than burning ,this approach will serve multiple purposes: reducing plastic
waste, lowering harmful emissions caused by burning plastics, and creating educational awareness
about sustainable waste management practices.

The goal of this project is to reduce both land and air pollution within the school environment, thus
improving overall air quality and creating a cleaner, healthier space for learning. By recycling plastic
waste into valuable materials, this project will not only tackle the immediate pollution problem but also
contribute to broader environmental awareness, encouraging responsible waste disposal habits among
students and staff.

The implementation of this recycling system will promote a culture of sustainability and innovation,
encouraging students to engage in hands-on environmental projects and instilling the importance of
reducing, reusing, and recycling. Ultimately, the project will lead to a long-term, sustainable solution
that reduces the harmful impact of plastic waste on the school and sets an example for other schools or
communities facing similar challenges.

INVESTIGATION OF RELATED IDEAS

In order to develop a sustainable solution to the plastic waste problem at Mabvuku High School, it is
essential to investigate existing ideas and interventions that have been successfully used to address
similar issues. By understanding current solutions, we can learn from their strengths, weaknesses, and
potential for adaptation to our school’s specific context. Below are some key ideas and methods that
could potentially contribute to solving the problem of plastic pollution at Mabvuku High School.

1. Existing Local and International Recycling Programs

Local Recycling Initiatives

Strengths:

These initiatives provide established processes for recycling, including collection and processing
methods.

Plastic Bricks and Paving Tiles

Some schools and organizations have successfully turned plastic waste into eco-friendly bricks and tiles.
This process involves melting plastic and molding it into different shapes. EcoBricks, for example, is a
technique where plastic bottles are filled with waste and used to build structures. This method could
potentially work at your school, where you could create eco-friendly bricks or tiles to improve the
school's infrastructure or beautify the environment.

Strengths: This method reduces waste and creates usable products that can improve school
infrastructure. It also offers an educational experience for students involved in the process.

Weaknesses: Requires access to proper equipment, such as heating devices or molds, and training to
ensure safety during the melting process. The cost of setting up such a system could be a challenge for
your school.

Plastic as Raw Material for Craft Projects

Another approach is to use plastics in crafting and artistic projects. Plastic bottles, kaylites, and other
waste can be repurposed for creating decorative items, such as recycled art or small furniture. This can
help raise awareness about the importance of recycling and provide students with a creative outlet.

Strengths: This method can engage students creatively and promote recycling through artistic
expression. It also doesn’t require advanced technology or significant infrastructure.

Weaknesses: The products created may be more artistic than functional and might not have as
significant an environmental impact compared to other methods like producing eco-friendly building
materials.
3. Community-Based Waste Management Solutions

One of the most effective ways to tackle pollution in schools and communities is through community-
based waste management programs. This model involves the active participation of students, staff, and
the local community in the waste management process, ensuring that everyone is engaged and invested
in the solution.

Waste Segregation and Collection:

An essential first step is the establishment of a *waste segregation system*. By setting up bins for
plastic waste, organic waste, and other materials, students and staff can better manage waste before it
is disposed of or recycled. Implementing a segregation system will reduce the amount of plastic waste
that ends up in landfills or gets burned.There are numerous organizations that specialize in waste
management and recycling. For instance, in Zimbabwe, ZimRec (Zimbabwe Recycling) works on
initiatives to reduce plastic waste by collecting and recycling materials into usable products.

Strengths: External organizations may offer technical expertise, additional resources, or funding.

Weaknesses: These partnerships may require formal agreements and might take time to establish.

5. Educational Programs and Student Involvement

Educational programs that integrate waste management and recycling into the curriculum can help
foster a culture of sustainability within the school. Programs that involve students in hands-on recycling
projects can raise awareness about the importance of reducing plastic waste and foster a sense of
environmental responsibility.

Strengths: Students actively participate in the solution, promoting long-term habits of sustainability and
responsibility.

Weaknesses: Can be challenging to integrate into an already packed curriculum. Requires motivated
teachers and resources.

Analysis of Each Idea

Recycling into building materials can have a lasting impact by not only solving the pollution problem
but also improving the school's infrastructure.

Community involvement ensures that everyone is engaged, making it more likely for the program to
succeed in the long run.

2. Weaknesses:

- Some methods, such as making plastic bricks or tiles, require specialized equipment or significant
start-up costs, which may not be readily available at the school.

- Ongoing education and monitoringare needed to ensure that recycling programs are effective.
Without strong community participation, these initiatives could lose momentum.

Partnerships: with organizations may take time to establish and could be affected by external factors
like funding or bureaucratic processes.