by Emma Louise Oldham March 23, 2020

Ecobricks are a fantastic solution for tackling plastic pollution. When plastic is exposed to sun and water, it breaks down into smaller pieces (microplastics) and releases toxins. Microplastics scatter around the globe, reaching even the depths of the ocean. By storing plastic in ecobricks, we are preventing pollution.


What you need:

  • Plastic bottles (including lids)
  • Clean and dry plastic rubbish
  • Scissors
  • A magic wand (a stick that is at least the length of the bottle)
  • Scales
  • Enamel paint, nail polish or permanent markers (for writing on the bottle)


    What to do:

    Step 1: Make sure your plastic materials are clean and dry. Dirty plastic inside an ecobrick will cause bacteria to grow and gas to form inside your brick. This can make your bottles bloat and caps pop off.


    Step 2: Ensure your magic wand can reach the bottom of your bottle. We call it your magic wand as it helps your plastic disappear. Bamboo and wooden sticks work best.


    Step 3: Add a base layer. Choose plastic with a solid colour, then push it down to
    the bottom of your ecobrick using your stick. Fill the first 1-2cm of the bottle with
    the same colour.

    Tip: cellophane bags work great. 


    Step 4: Pack it tight. Cut large pieces of plastic into smaller pieces. Also, mix up soft and hard plastic. Don’t overfill it. There should be 1-2cm between the cap and the plastic inside.


    Step 5: Weigh your bottle. To find a perfect weight for your bottle, multiply its volume in millilitres by 0.33. So, a 600ml bottle has to weigh at least 200g. This ensures the ecobrick is strong enough to build with.


    Step 6: Record your ecobrick. Head over to www.GoBrik.com to register your bottle. Don’t forget to write your name, date, serial number (this will be given to you by the app) and final weight.


    Step 7: Choose a project to support. Find out if there are any local community projects who are looking for ecobrick donations. If you can’t find one, there are hundreds online to get involved in.


  • 1 Response

    Vrinda
    Vrinda

    November 10, 2022

    I work as an educator in an Environment based NGO . We focus on different themes of environment and then try to engage students by doing action projects. The idea of Eco brick really fascinates when it comes to managing plastic waste. The only issue I have been facing with the students in this period of lock down that we don’t have much of ideas to create structures out of eco bricks as the age group is 7-9. Any idea suggested from your end will really be appreciated

    Leave a comment

    Comments will be approved before showing up.


    In other Eco Kids Planet News

    🐾 Wildlife News!
    🐾 wildlife news!

    by Eco Kids Planet October 13, 2025

    Here’s a sneak peek straight from our latest issue of Eco Kids Planet, Wonders Beyond Earth. Wildlife News is where Rhona and Rusty round up the wildest real-world stories from across the planet. Enjoy the read! 🌎 Amazing Photo Entries! The Wildlife Photographer of the Year team gave me a sneak...

    Monthly Competition: Sea Monster Story Time
    Monthly competition: sea monster story time

    by Eco Kids Planet September 08, 2025

    We asked you to dive deep into your imagination and invent a mysterious sea creature – and you didn’t disappoint! From glowing krakens and ancient owls to daring underwater adventures, your stories were packed with suspense, surprises and creativity.  Thank you to everyone who took part – we’re thrilled to announce our four winning stories.

    Monthly Competition: Magical Nature Potions
    Monthly competition: magical nature potions

    by Eco Kids Planet July 03, 2025

    From dragon spit to moonbeam dew – our readers brewed up some truly magical nature potions this month! We’re thrilled to reveal the winning entries of our latest competition. Discover the most imaginative ingredients, spellbinding names, and powerful nature-inspired concoctions created by our talented young Eco Kids.