Solutions

http://cehi.org.lc - Karen Alleyne - June 1, 2012

ABSTRACT

This project is based on the development, testing and evaluation of lightweight aggregate
cementitious products utilizing shredded Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and High Density
Polyethylene (HDPE) from shredded plastic bottles and crates. The innovation for this project is
twofold. Firstly, thousands of PET and HDPE plastic materials, particularly plastic bottles, are
improperly disposed of each day resulting in large volumes of plastic waste entering and
remaining in the natural environment. This has become a solid waste management challenge in
Guyana since it is estimated that over 10,000 tonnes of waste plastic are discarded yearly, in
Georgetown alone. Secondly, efficient means of re-using waste plastic, particularly PET and
HDPE must be found since in developing countries it may not be economically viable based on
the volumes of plastic produced, to recycle.

(READ COMPLETE REPORT IN LINKED PDF)

submitted by Albert Gomez

conceptualdevices.com

GLOBE / HEDRON is a bamboo greenhouse designed to organically grow fish and vegetables on top of generic flat roofs. The design is optimized for aquaponic farming techniques: the fish’s water nourishes the plants and plants clean the water for the fish. Using this farming technique, GLOBE / HEDRON is optimized to feed four families of four all year round.

GLOBE / HEDRON is designed to be manufactured and retailed at a low cost. Easy-to-set-up units can be combined to scale up food production capacity.

Using a geodesic dome, the load of the fish tank rests on the frame of the greenhouse and is redistributed to a larger surface. Because of this design, the aquaponic farm can be housed on more roofs without any structural building adaptation. The dome structure is designed to be built with bamboo, so that it is biodegradable and organically farmed.

May 14 - 23, 2012

Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic species, is the world fastest growing food sector.  Aquaculture is also called the “blue revolution” because it has demonstrated its ability to decrease malnutrition, reduce poverty, generate wealth and contribute to economic growth in many countries.  Tilapia is the most farmed aquaculture product and its world production has gone from 830,000 tones in 1990 to 1.6 million tones in 1999 and 3.5 million tones in 2008. The overwhelming success of tilapia farming is because the fish is very hardy, prolific, fast growing, disease resistant and does not require extensive knowledge to breed and grow.