About this project
PolyHub – Transforming Plastic Waste into Resilient Community Spaces
PolyHub is an innovative, youth-driven initiative that addresses two critical global challenges simultaneously: plastic pollution and climate vulnerability. By converting non-recyclable plastic waste into durable eco-bricks, we construct multi-purpose community hubs that serve as (1) recycling education centers, (2) disaster-resilient shelters, and (3) sustainable green spaces. This project directly supports IMYAC's priority areas by tackling plastic pollution through SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) while enhancing disaster risk reduction through SDG 13 (Climate Action) and promoting biodiversity via SDG 15 (Life on Land).
Our three-phase implementation model creates lasting impact:
Community Mobilization & Waste Transformation (Months 1-4):
Establish collection networks with schools, markets, and waste picker cooperatives
Conduct training workshops on eco-brick production for 150+ youth and community members
Process 8+ metric tons of plastic waste into standardized construction modules
Resilient Infrastructure Development (Months 5-8):
Construct a 60m² modular hub using earthquake and flood-resistant eco-brick techniques
Integrate sustainable features: rainwater catchment, solar panels, and vertical gardens
Create public art installations using recycled materials to raise environmental awareness
Capacity Building & Knowledge Sharing (Months 9-12):
Launch a "Plastic to Resilience" education program reaching 500+ community members
Develop open-source construction manuals for replication in other vulnerable communities
Establish monitoring systems to track waste diversion (target: 15 tons/year) and carbon reduction
What makes PolyHub unique:
✅ Circular Innovation: Creates value from waste while reducing construction costs by 40% compared to conventional materials
✅ Community Ownership: 60% of project staff are local youth, with special roles for women waste collectors
✅ Climate Adaptation: Structures designed to withstand Category 4 hurricanes and 7.0 magnitude earthquakes
✅ Scalable Model: Partnership framework allows adaptation to urban and rural contexts
Expected outcomes within 12 months:
Divert 12+ tons of plastic from waterways and landfills
Train 300+ community members in sustainable construction techniques
Reduce neighborhood plastic litter by 35% in target areas
Create 5 permanent green jobs in waste management and eco-construction
PolyHub represents a replicable blueprint for turning environmental challenges into opportunities for community empowerment and climate resilience. By combining practical waste solutions with disaster preparedness, we're building more than structures - we're building sustainable futures.
Goals and Objectives
Goals:
Combat plastic pollution by transforming waste into eco-bricks for community infrastructure.
Strengthen climate resilience through disaster-resistant structures.
Empower youth and marginalized communities via skills development and green jobs.
Objectives:
Divert 15+ tons of plastic waste annually from landfills/waterways.
Train 300+ community members in eco-brick production and sustainable construction.
Build 3 pilot hubs with rainwater harvesting and solar energy features.
Reduce plastic litter in target areas by 35% within 12 months.
Intended Beneficiaries:
Youth & Waste Pickers: Priority engagement for skills training and employment.
Vulnerable Communities: Access to disaster-safe spaces and cleaner environments.
Local Governments: Model for scalable waste-to-resilience solutions.
Sustainability & Scalability:
Revenue Streams: Sale of excess eco-bricks and workshop fees.
Policy Integration: Advocate for municipal adoption of eco-brick standards.
Replication Toolkit: Open-source guides and partnerships for regional adaptation.
Expected result
Expected Results (SMART Framework)
Waste Diversion & Recycling
Specific: Collect and transform 15+ metric tons of non-recyclable plastic waste into eco-bricks.
Measurable: Track waste input/output through weighbridge records at collection centers.
Time-bound: Achieve within 12 months of project launch.
Monitoring: Monthly audits by community waste committees.
Community Training & Capacity Building
Specific: Train 300+ beneficiaries (60% youth, 30% women) in eco-brick production and sustainable construction.
Measurable: Attendance records, pre/post skill assessments, and certification issuance.
Time-bound: Complete 6 training cycles by Month 10.
Monitoring: Follow-up surveys at 3/6/12 months to track employment outcomes.
Infrastructure Development
Specific: Construct 3 disaster-resilient community hubs (60m² each) with integrated green tech.
Measurable: Completion of structures meeting ISO 22156 (earthquake-resilient) and flood-proofing standards.
Time-bound: Finalize all hubs by Month 11.
Monitoring: Engineer-signed compliance reports and community usability feedback.
Environmental Impact
Specific: Reduce plastic litter in target zones by 35%.
Measurable: GIS mapping of litter density pre/post-intervention.
Time-bound: Demonstrate reduction by project end.
Monitoring: Quarterly clean-up audits with partner NGOs.
Economic Empowerment
Specific: Create 12+ green jobs (eco-brick production, construction, hub management).
Measurable: Employment contracts and payroll records.
Time-bound: Roles established by Month 6.
Monitoring: Income surveys of hired beneficiaries.
Behavioral Change
Specific: Increase plastic recycling adoption by 50% in participant households.
Measurable: Waste disposal surveys across 200 households.
Time-bound: Document change by Month 12.
Monitoring: Spot checks and waste bin audits.
Replicability Metrics
Develop 1 open-source construction manual (download target: 1,000+).
Secure 2 municipal MOUs for model replication.
Risk Mitigation
Underperformance: Adaptive training if <70% of participants master skills by Month 4.
Construction Delays: Buffer stocks of 20% extra eco-bricks.
About me / organisation
Peter BORA UZIMA
Bora Uzima Peter is a Veterinary Medicine student and the founder of Aqua Tech, a social enterprise using AI-powered automatic fish feeders to help farmers, especially those with disabilities or limited veterinary knowledge. Raised in a low-income family and shaped by firsthand struggles in agriculture, Bora is passionate about solving real problems through innovation. He leads the team with strong technical, entrepreneurial, and community mobilization skills, making him uniquely suited to drive this project forward.