Day 345 – It seems like road construction season occurs all year round. Lane reductions, road closures and a constant state of traffic chaos occurs on a daily basis. In the end, a new road with fresh asphalt and no potholes makes it all worth it. Well, maybe not all of it, but definitely most of it.

What would make the whole process even more bearable, would be knowing that plastic waste destined for the landfill is being used to make the roads.

“First appearing in India two decades ago, plastic roads are being tested and built in more and more countries as the world’s plastic pollution problem becomes more acutely felt. India has installed over 60,000 miles of these roads. The technology, meanwhile, is gaining ground in Britain, Europe, and Asia. Several countries—South Africa, Vietnam, Mexico, the Philippines, and the United States, among them—have built their first plastic roads only recently.” – Good News Network

The thought of plastic bottles, wrappers and bags being used to create roadways is absolute genius. Not only is it addressing the world’s waste problem, but it also appears that using these plastics is creating a better a roadway.

“A growing number of studies say that roads containing waste plastic have the potential to perform as well or better than traditional roads. They can last longer, are stronger and more durable in respect to loads and rutting, can tolerate wide temperature swings, and are more resistant to water damage, cracking, and potholes.” – Good News Network

Combining an overall reduction in waste production with the practical reuse of the waste that is created, will lead to a cleaner and healthier planet.

Tomorrow, you do not need to keep up with the Joneses.