I had learned a lot of things during my volunteer period with Divers Clean Action (DCA), and one of them was how to make an eco brick. DCA at the time was visiting their community in Pramuka Island. The locals there were empowered to make eco bricks. Rather than throw the plastic packaging away, it is better to use them to make eco bricks.

Plastic is a problem that the sea is facing. A lot of whales, sea turtles, and other biotas have died because they have mistaken plastic as their food. An island is the closest to the sea. They hold an important role in tackling plastic waste. Plastic waste itself on the island is produced from instant noodles and instant drinks. Not only does the local produce plastic waste, tourist would also take a part in producing plastic waste on an island. This is because on an island, it is efficient to have packaged food where they can be stored for a long time. The people that lives on an island have to go to the mainland if they want fresh food like chicken and vegetable, however it cannot be kept for a long time. That is why packaged goods are more preferable for people living on the island. Due to this reason as well, DCA empowers the people on islands to create eco bricks.

Every plastic packaging at Pramuka Island is collected and is used to create eco bricks at Pramuka Island. If there are any dirty plastics, they will be washed and dried to be used.