Eco Bricks Does the Trick: Exploring Alternative Waste Management Through Active Community Engagement

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Accumulation of solid waste has been a perennial concern of the residents of Pantay Bata, Tanauan City due to intermittent garbage collection. Hence, this issue in garbage collection prompted the researchers to come up with a project that would help address the accumulation of household wastes and ensure the project's sustainability.

METHODS

A descriptive research method was used in this study. The researchers surveyed among the residents of Pantay Bata, Tanauan City to determine their knowledge, attitude, and practices on solid waste management. Using the Slovin's formula, 70 residents were chosen as respondents. The researchers also explored solid waste management practices and models that could be localized and adopted by the community. Frequency and percentage were used to represent and analyze the responses of the participants.

RESULTS

Results showed that since the majority of the household wastes were plastic, the majority of the respondents considered the production of Eco-Bricks to address the threat of such non-biodegradable materials to the environment. Based on the survey, residents are optimistic about the potential of Eco-Bricks to solve the community's problem in plastic disposal. They also find it economical and practical to sustain.

DISCUSSIONS

The Eco-Bricks project help lessened the accumulation of household wastes as perceived by the residents of Pantay Bata. It has also increased the level of environmental awareness among them. Community engagement ensures the sustainability of the project. It further proves that for a community to be empowered, residents should be well informed of any innovation or breakthrough that advances their welfare and improves their living conditions.