In a bold move towards sustainability and environmental well-being, we successfully completed a groundbreaking project at Independence High School, Essien Udim: a plastic-built urinary that not only provides hygienic facilities for students but also removes 5,000 plastics from the environment. The project began in mid-October 2024 and was completed on December 12, 2024.
The Vision Behind the Project
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges today, particularly in developing communities where waste management infrastructure is limited. Recognizing this issue, we aimed to combine environmental sustainability with improved hygiene access. The idea was simple but powerful: repurpose plastic waste into a functional and eco-friendly urinary for the school.
Independence High School, with its growing student population, faced challenges with sanitation infrastructure. Our project provided a dual solution—supporting health and sanitation while addressing the burden of plastic waste in the local environment.
The project began in mid-October with an extensive plastic collection process. A total of 5,000 plastic bottles and other non-biodegradable plastics were sourced, cleaned, and prepared for construction. By engaging the Young Environmentalists (YEs) Club students, we created a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility.
Key Steps in the Project:
1. Plastic Collection and Preparation:
Plastic bottles and other waste materials were gathered by the YEs Club students from the community and surrounding areas, removing pollutants that would otherwise harm the environment.
2. Construction Process:
We worked together with building experts, students, teachers and volunteers to use these plastic materials as building blocks. The bottles were fixed to a constructed wood work to provide strength and durability, turning waste into a strong and sustainable resource.
3. Finishing and Hygiene Integration:
Once the structure was complete, finishing touches were added to ensure it met hygiene and safety standards. The Urinary was designed to be functional, durable, and easy to maintain for the students.
Project Impact
1. Environmental Impact
By repurposing 5,000 plastic items, we prevented this waste from polluting waterways, soil, or blocking the drainages and gutters—processes that contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.
2. Health and Sanitation
Prior to the project, Independence High School faced significant challenges in sanitation. The new Urinary provides clean and accessible facilities, promoting proper hygiene practices among the students. Improved sanitation reduces the risk of illnesses such as diarrhea and other hygiene-related diseases.
3. Community Engagement and Awareness
This project brought together students, staff, and the volunteers to actively participate in environmental conservation. Workshops and discussions during the project helped raise awareness about plastic pollution, the benefits of recycling, and the importance of sustainable solutions.
4. Empowerment and Education
The students not only gained access to new infrastructure but also learned about innovative ways to reuse and recycle plastic waste. This aligns with the foundation’s mission to foster education that combines academic excellence with social responsibility.
Looking Ahead
The Urinary facility at Independence High School is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of what’s possible when sustainability, innovation, and innovative collaboration come together. Moving forward, we aim to replicate this model in other schools and public spaces, encouraging more communities to turn plastic waste into valuable resources.
Final Thoughts
This project marks a small yet significant step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. With over 5,000 plastics removed from the environment and a fully functional urinary delivered to the students of Independence High School, we hope this initiative inspires others to take similar action.
Thank you to all partners, volunteers, and the students who made this project possible. Let’s continue to build a better, greener world, one step at a time.