Costa Rica woman builds home using seven tons of recycled plastic

In Alajuelita, Costa Rica, Cindy Mora Abarca constructed a permanent residence using approximately seven tons of recycled plastic after exhausting her savings on a land purchase. The project, completed in May 2018, utilized the Bloqueplas system, which consists of modular, interlocking plastic blocks similar to large building bricks.

The construction was a collaborative effort involving Habitat for Humanity Costa Rica, Urbarium, Ekojunto, and Procter & Gamble. Because the modular system does not require specialized labor, volunteers contributed over 800 hours to the assembly. While the walls were built from recycled waste, the foundation, roofing, electrical wiring, and plumbing followed conventional construction methods.

The initiative serves as a demonstration of the circular economy, repurposing plastic waste that contributes to environmental pollution. The Bloqueplas system is noted for providing thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as resistance to weather and earthquakes.