Mangaluru: The Diocese of Mangalore and the Canara Organisation for Development and Peace (CODP) have expanded an eco-friendly plastic waste initiative that converts discarded plastic into public benches using a technique known as Eco-Bricks.The campaign uses plastic bottles as containers for non-recyclable plastic waste. Volunteers tightly pack wrappers, sachets and other low-value plastics into used bottles, creating compact, durable ‘Eco-Bricks’ that are then assembled into benches installed in public spaces. The model aims to reduce litter and landfill waste while creating practical community infrastructure.On Monday, two Eco-Brick benches built within the church premises were inaugurated at St Paul’s Church, Delanthabettu, on the occasion of the parish titular feast. The benches were inaugurated by Fr Simon D’Souza, parish priest of Peruvai Church. The project was spearheaded by the Catholic Sabha, Delanthabettu unit, under the guidance of Fr Richard D’Souza, parish priest and an environmental advocate. The benches took eight months to complete.Rev Fr Vincent D’Souza, director of CODP, said the period from 2021 to 2026 marked a major scaling up of the programme, moving from awareness drives and demonstrations to community-led construction in schools, churches, parks, educational institutions, beaches and community centres across the Diocese of Mangalore. The effort integrates environmental education with volunteerism and local partnerships, drawing participation from self-help groups (SHGs), youth groups, parish communities, teachers, students, municipal authorities, educational institutions and individual volunteers.According to CODP, the initiative has diverted thousands of kilograms of plastic waste from landfills and open burning, and led to the installation of more than 30 Eco-Brick benches in public places across Dakshina Kannada, and is a replicable community model aligned with circular economy principles and climate action goals.The campaign is also positioned as supporting global and national frameworks, including Sustainable Development Goals 11, 12, 13, 15 and 17, Pope Francis’ ‘Laudato Si’’ message on environmental stewardship, and India’s Swachh Bharat Mission and Plastic Waste Management Rules.Fr Vincent said that the initiative began in 2018 when German volunteer Ida Nitsche introduced the Eco-Brick concept to CODP through demonstrations with students and community groups. CODP later adapted the approach to local conditions, and formalised it into an ongoing environmental programme with environmental, educational, community and development objectives.A key milestone was an Eco-Bench at Kadri Park built using 175 plastic bottles, about 200 kg of plastic waste and roughly 750 kg of clay. Institutional scaling followed, including collaboration with Father Muller College of Nursing, where students helped collect bottles and plastic waste to build a bench at Gujjarakere Park near Jeppu/Morgan’s Gate. By mid-2024, benches had been installed at Fajir Church, Morgan’s Gate Park, Kadri Park and Father Muller’s institutions, with plastic sourced from bakeries, community groups and CODP events.Future plans include expanding Eco-Brick construction to every parish in the diocese, and launching ‘One School – One Eco Bench’ campaigns, Fr Vincent said.
