at the elephant, which then ran off. Weeks later, we found the elephant dead. A post-mortem revealed it had a plastic bag lodged in its intestines,” Norton explained. This tragic incident sparked the idea for the unique anti-poaching and recycling project – Ele-Collection.
This initiative collects plastic waste, shredding it and combining with sand to create a new building material which is not just versatile but also light and durable. Currently, Ele-Collection is focused on making bricks that can construct cost-effective, eco-friendly houses. The project is also generating local employment, with around 30 people now working in the Victorians Falls area to collect plastic waste.
According to co-founder Von Urff-Kaufeld, “We grind the mixture of waste plastic and sand, we heat it, and it forms a very solid brick, much stronger than cement.” This new building material is being used to construct a variety of structures, from houses to ablution blocks, meeting the need for low-cost housing and infrastructure in the region.
Besides dealing with waste and creating jobs, their project also aims to save elephants, many of which have been killed after consuming plastic. Making Victorians Falls a plastic-free zone will contribute to this goal and boost eco-tourism.
Challenges remain, however. One is sourcing enough plastic waste for production. “We need a steady supply of plastic, but no one is really segregating their rubbish here, so we depend on scavengers,” Von Urff-Kaufeld said. Budget constraints also threaten the scope of the project, as Ele-Collection relies on funding and donations to purchase equipment and pay wages.
Despite the hurdles, the founders believe in the potential of their project for better waste management, job creation, low-cost housing and elephant conservation. The trio are seeking partnerships with local businesses, governments and non-governmental organizations to enhance and expand the reach of Ele-Collection.
“The incident with the elephant has taught us that we can’t turn a blind eye to the plastic problem on our doorstep,” Norton said. “We want Victorians Falls to be a beacon of hope in the fight against plastic pollution. If we can turn waste into something useful here, then it can be done anywhere.”
