Edition #9, January 2005
Recycling in Switzerland
When two EcoSouth colleagues stopped off in Switzerland enroute to India, they visited the a recycling center in Glarus and along with other local inhabitants sorted household waste into the clearly marked containers. They threw bottles into containers for green, brown and clear glass, and plastic bottles into another. They crushed tin cans and dropped them into in a letter-slot opening, tossed aluminum packaging into a large bag, and styrofoam into another recipient. They stacked cardboard in one place and bundles of newspapers in another. There were containers for old metal objects, for used batteries. Organic waste is collected separately. The recycling center has set opening hours and the inhabitants are obliged to sort their garbage. Garbage for other general waste is collected in special bags that can be purchased at the supermarket, included in the price is a special "tax" for garbage collection. There is no garbage dump!
Apprentices complete first phase of Diriamba housing project
The first 24 houses build by the ten apprentices have been finished. The apprentices have completed their first year of studies and have made real progress in the work. They have taken seriously the chance to learn a trade and are on the best way to graduate as formal masons next year. In November 2004 ten new apprentices entered the project and have started their two years cycle to obtain their diploma, recognized by the National Technological Institute of Nicaragua.
Study visit to Gram Vikas in India
Part of an award received by Gram Vikas from the Building and Social Housing Foundation (BSHF) included a study visit to India. EcoSouth representatives from Nicaragua, Cuba and South were among the multinational group of participants who traveled to India in November 2004 to learn about the rural health and environment program and other activities of the 25-year-old grass-roots organization.
EcoMaterials Conference expands framework
Two additional events will take place around the III EcoMaterials Conference in Santa Clara (November 14-17, 2005), a seminar about earth construction in Havana (November 11-12), y and a session about Architecture in Santa Clara (November 18). The organizing committee for both events have confirmed lecture by renowned specialists. In the near future, the EcoSouth website will publish additional information as well as plans for hotels and internal transportation for those who wish to attend more than one event.
Ecuadorian universities interested in EcoMaterials
Taking advantage of the visit of various EcoSouth experts to Ecuador for the Bienal of Architecture in Quito, several universities and profesional organizations invited them. Presentations in Guayaquil, a seminar in Loja, as well as a cooperation agreement for post-graduate courses via Internet with the UTPL of Loja, demonstrated a growing consciousness about sustainability within the professional society.
Read more: Ecuadorian universities interested in EcoMaterials
