Laying the bricks of change
The story of Dr. Binish Desai and his endeavour to save the world
Dr Binish Desai is known as the ‘Recycle Man of India’, and for good reason. He began his journey as a ‘waste warrior’ when he was only eleven with his first invention ‘BRICK 1.0’ that was made from waste material. He went on to establish his industrial waste management firm, Eco Eclectic Technologies, in 2010. It does not come as a surprise, therefore, that he is once again leading from the front when it comes to saving the planet from the waste generated due to the pandemic. Waste like PPE kits, masks, plastics etc will continue to clog our eco-system for many decades even when the pandemic is long gone. This renowned social entrepreneur has designed an innovative way to deal with this looming catastrophe. We bring to you his story that will inspire millions of eco-warriors across the globe.
The world knows you as the ‘Recycle man of India’. What does this mean to you and is that what keeps you inspired?
The responsibility of owning this title is a huge honour. Of course, the responsibility of living up to such a title is a huge driving force, but there are a lot of things that inspire me, especially nature. I want to create a circular economy which has no room for wastage, and befits nature in every way.
We know about Brick 1.0 that was made from waste. So, your latest invention Brick 2.0 must be on the same lines. Please tell us about that.
Yes, it is a revised version of Brick 1.0. Brick 2.0 is made from PPE kits and face masks that were otherwise discarded. This will help reduce the environmental pollution that is caused when they are thrown off as waste. These bricks are three times stronger than conventional bricks, half the price and twice the size. I would rather that all this plastic ends up becoming a brick than end up in oceans or landfills.
What have been your main challenges during this process, especially in the light of multiple lockdowns?
The biggest challenge was the pandemic itself. It did slow down manufacturing. The logistical costs have increased due to restrictions on movement between states. We would have been able to expand faster in terms of manufacturing and generating a franchise model if it was not for the pandemic. Having said that, we are on the right track as we have been able to prove that our material has quality and is safe to use.
Your team works with 106 different types of wastes; how much time did research take to begin manufacturing? Also, what kind of waste did you use?
When a company decides that they want to deal with waste in a sustainable manner, they contact us and we start analyzing the waste, audit it and then focus on its collection. Our research requires us to understand the viability of the waste product in terms of its binding quality. We have converted human hair into a panel for the same salon that would have had to discard it otherwise. We have made crockery out of coffee waste. We can make tiles and bricks out of waste as well. I believe we have already used about 7–8 tonnes of mask and PPE waste for Brick 2.0. These bricks are being used for housing projects, high rise buildings etc.
There is nothing useless in this world. What can be waste to you can be someone else’s asset!
What is the biggest challenge the world faces right now in terms of environmental degradation? How can we tackle it?
The biggest challenge is misunderstanding the waste we generate. We feel we have gotten rid of waste when we dump it, when we really haven’t. Any kind of waste is creating a huge impact on the entire world and causing climate change. In context of the pandemic, I would suggest that whatever covid-related waste you have, like an N-95 mask, you can send it to us and after following the appropriate guidelines, we’ll recycle it. Isolating the waste for 72 hours before it is disposed is necessary. People wanting to recycle their coffee waste can send us that too. Also, I’d suggest everyone to buy what they need, not what they want; that’ll help reduce overall waste generation.
How did your family and friends react when they came to know of your Brick 2.0 idea, especially since it deals with pandemic related waste? Did you worry about getting affected while handling it?
They have been very excited about this idea and are extremely supportive. I follow all the precautions and guidelines so there is nothing to fear. We disinfect all the material and ensure all other steps are followed before recycling it.
Did you get the necessary support from governmental authorities for Brick 2.0?
We are working with state governments and have also made a proposal to the Centre about developing this as an additional waste management method. This can add a completely new and viable infrastructure for India.
Has your invention changed you at all as person?
With every invention, I evolve as an innovator. But deep within my heart, I am still that young person who loves Captain Planet and Dexter’s Lab. What has changed is that I now learn better from my failures. I know what not to do. Also, I have developed the ability to understand and operate a business.
What role can the youth play in an initiative like yours and how can they make the world a cleaner place?
Youth are the future of the world. It’s important for them to be eco-conscious, take initiatives and ask questions. They can play a huge role in an initiative like ours as we are always looking for more and newer ideas for economic and social inventions that can be created out of waste. I firmly believe that one small step in the right direction can create a domino effect and lead to real change. To the youth out there, my advice is that analyze your ideas and actions on these three parameters: environmental impact, social impact and economic sustainability. Therein lies the key to a better future for all of us.
A student of Class XII of Amity International School Gurugram — 46, India, Jaya Jha is a young multiple-time published author from Gurugram. Apart from being published in several national anthologies, she has also released her poetry anthology titled ‘Dawn and Dusk’ consisting of 40 poems, in 2020 with the help of Notion Press Publishers. Jaya is currently holding the post of Editor-in-Chief for the Global Times Team of her school. Having the experience of 5 years in the student council, she has been handling leadership positions in a commendable way. Along with being the Vice President of Interact Club, Lead Organizer of TEDx and Editor-in-Chief in Amigmun 21, she has had an achievement studded high school experience. Apart from writing, she is a remarkable public speaker and confident debater. She loves to read war fiction by authors like Khaled Hoesseini and watch Kiera Knightly movies. She aspires to be a diplomat and represent her country on an international level.
A student of Class XII of Amity International School Gurugram — 46, India, Jaya Jha is a young multiple-time published author from Gurugram. Apart from being published in several national anthologies, she has also released her poetry anthology titled ‘Dawn and Dusk’ consisting of 40 poems, in 2020 with the help of Notion Press Publishers. Jaya is currently holding the post of Editor-in-Chief for the Global Times Team of her school. Having the experience of 5 years in the student council, she has been handling leadership positions in a commendable way. Along with being the Vice President of Interact Club, Lead Organizer of TEDx and Editor-in-Chief in Amigmun 21, she has had an achievement studded high school experience. Apart from writing, she is a remarkable public speaker and confident debater. She loves to read war fiction by authors like Khaled Hoesseini and watch Kiera Knightly movies. She aspires to be a diplomat and represent her country on an international level.
