Ecovironment (www.ecovironment.org) is a social enterprise transforming Sierra Leone’s plastic pollution crisis into an opportunity for sustainable urban development and economic empowerment. Founded in 2021, Ecovironment addresses three critical challenges: urban waste management, climate resilience, and youth unemployment. We recycle plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly bricks and paving tiles through innovative, chemical-free plastic extrusion technology. These products, which are three times stronger than conventional cement bricks, offer an affordable alternative to imported construction materials, reducing costs by 15% and boosting climate resilience in the construction sector.
Our approach integrates environmental sustainability with social and economic impact. We have recycled over 450 tons of plastic waste, produced over 78,000 units of eco-friendly construction materials, and provided green employment opportunities for over 20 underprivileged youth and women. Additionally, we have trained more than 200 individuals in plastic recycling and conducted educational outreach programs that have engaged over 100,000 people. This multifaceted model addresses plastic pollution, creates economic opportunities, and fosters environmental stewardship in underserved communities.
Ecovironment’s impact goes beyond individual products. By replacing conventional construction materials with sustainable alternatives, we actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and waste. Our efforts align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.
Our vision extends to scaling operations across Sierra Leone. We aim to recycle 1,000,000 tons of plastic waste, create 200 green jobs, and reach 3 million customers by 2034. Geographic expansion to cities like Freetown will amplify our impact, allowing us to serve a broader customer base, tackle waste management challenges at scale, and contribute to building a circular economy in Sierra Leone.
Ecovironment’s success has garnered global recognition, including the Young Climate Prize (https://shorturl.at/NfAVX), the United Nations Scroll of Honour Award (https://shorturl.at/wxBJo), and featured in prominent publications such as Bloomberg Magazine and Meta Sustainability Magazine. These accolades underscore our commitment to innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
By transforming waste into opportunity, Ecovironment envisions a future where cities thrive sustainably, communities are resilient, and environmental degradation is a challenge of the past. We are not just addressing today’s problems but building the foundations for a sustainable and prosperous tomorrow.
To address these pressing challenges, my project, Ecovironment, employs an innovative approach to tackle plastic pollution while promoting sustainable urban development and youth empowerment. Using chemical-free plastic extrusion technology, we recycle plastic waste into durable, eco-friendly bricks and paving tiles, replacing conventional construction materials. Our products are three times stronger than cement bricks and reduce construction costs by 15%, offering a sustainable and affordable alternative to imported materials.
Our social enterprise model is rooted in environmental excellence and economic sustainability. We generate revenue through product sales and installation services, ensuring long-term impact beyond external funding. Additionally, we actively engage communities by providing green employment opportunities to over 20 underprivileged youth and women and training more than 200 persons in plastic recycling. Our educational outreach has reached more than 100,000 people, fostering awareness and action around waste management and climate resilience.
By integrating environmental, social, and economic solutions, Ecovironment addresses today’s waste management crisis while laying the foundation for sustainable cities and communities. Our vision is to scale operations across Sierra Leone, recycling 1,000,000 tons of plastic waste, creating 200 green jobs, and reaching 3 million customers by 2034, driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable and resilient future.
Ecovironment_Relevant Links.pdf