Plastic economy: plastic recycle, plastic architecture

Abstract

Environmental issues are becoming increasingly common topics in the news and posts on social media. On social media it is common to see posts reporting on issues ranging from global warming to endangered animals and occasionally the people who are dedicating themselves to correct humanity’s mistakes. One of these environmental concerns has been the increasing amount of plastics collecting in our oceans. This issue is caused by plastic being discarded improperly and eventually finding its way into our oceans where it breaks down and causes devastating harm to sea life. This serious issue needs to be corrected before the effect become irreversible and their are a number of organisations already taking on the challenge. However the scale of this issue is simply too large, this is a global issue and it needs a global involvement in order for it to be handled and their are economic opportunities to be gained from the situation. By using the discarded plastic as a raw material for the production of new products, the process is manipulated from one born of consumerist society to a more sustainable option that the modern world strives for. In a world striving for continuous technological advancement, what innovative processes can be utilized to take advantage of this global problem and turn it into opportunity? This research essay will suggest how the construction of a PLASTIC RECYCLING AND RESEARCH CENTRE located in the city of DURBAN could act as a catalyst for South Africa to begin to play a serious role in tackling this global issue. Could South Africa capitalise on this opportunity and how could emerging technologies be utilized for the benefit of the country, the oceans, the global community and a sustainable future.