How much of my donation reaches Indonesia?

All advertising, admin and personal costs are able to be covered with the help of economical income through Project Wings’ setup. 100% of the funds from private individuals, like one-time donations and long-term sponsors, are used only for the Project.

What exactly is done with a contribution?

With ring-fenced donations, like fundraising or donations specified with an intended purpose, are used for the respected area. If you didn’t specify a purpose, then the aid is used for the area where it is most needed at the time. Otherwise, the majority goes into the Ecobrick deposit system and into the ongoing reforestation projects. All five cooperation partners are also supported regularly.

What is most important at the moment?

Currently, our focus lies on the construction of more buildings in the Recycling Village. Consequently, the Ecobricks are often being bought up for 5,000 IDR, respectively, by the hard-working collectors and earmarked for the construction.

Why don’t the locals buy more plastic if they can get money for it?

There is almost half a kilogram of plastic waste in an Ecobrick. So, to buy enough plastic waste, more money would have to be spent on the products than what they can receive through the sale of one Ecobrick. It wouldn’t be lucrative. Furthermore, the plastic of the last 30 years accumulates in the surrounding area, so there are plenty of opportunities to come across plastic for Ecobricks for free.

How long does a house in the Recycling Village last for?

Together with the University of Münster and Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, construction-physics studies are currently underway. When the results are available, we will be able to comment on the concrete numbers. Generally, plastic, as a ‘building brick’, is especially well suited due to its durability. Even in harsh weather conditions, like salt water or UV rays, a plastic bottle takes up to 450 years before it degrades into microparticles. Through our construction method, the Ecobricks are protected against such influences and are isolated from the environment. With this said, we estimate that a house will hold for decades or perhaps even centuries.

When should the Recycling Village be finished?

The Recycling Village in Bukit Lawang (Sumatra, Indonesia) should be standing by the end of 2021. This should remove around 250,000 kg of plastic from the environment and isolate it. Moreover, 150 new jobs will be created.

Keep informed and find regular updates of the village’s development through our social media outlets!

Where does the collected waste come from?

Many parts of Indonesia lack a functioning recycling-system. Often the waste is burned, collected, or lost into the rivers. Many people don’t know what to do to help because people have not been made properly aware of these topics. Everyday consumer goods like shampoo or washing up liquid are often only offered in sachets made of mixed plastic; therefore, the packaging consumption is drastically increased. Additionally, numerous countries store their waste in Indonesia so it can be recycled properly. However, this is hardly the case. Instead, it finds its way into nature and into the sea. Or it will be burned extensively.

Germany exports 67,000 tonnes of plastic waste to Indonesia annually, which has been piling up for years. This puts an enormous strain on not only the environment but also the people.

What happens after the Village is completed?

Due to the different buildings, the Recycling Village will generate revenue and so will leave behind a self-sustaining and local-lead system (more info on the Village go to 3.4). Therefore, the Village, its associated jobs and the local cooperation partners can continue to be financed.

When the first Recycling Village has been completed, a new village in a different region or country with similar challenges will be built.

What income will be generated by the Village?

Within the Recycling Village there is a market area, package-free shops, different activities, a ‘Culture Kitchen’ and so much more. Thanks to different workshops and seminars, which are also offered to tourists (for a small contribution), a stable income can be secured. This way, we can ensure that participation in the activities is free of charge for children and young people. All the revenue stays in Indonesia and is invested into the project there.