Pupils Transform Reused Plastic into Environmental Friendly Seating and Luminaires in Balkhash
In the heart of Kazakhstan, students from the Polytechnic College in Balkhash have embarked on an eco-friendly mission, creating benches, trash bins, and solar-powered street lamps from recycled plastic[1]. This innovative project, which won first place in a nationwide ecological marathon, has already illuminated the college courtyard in the evenings[1].
The students, led by history teacher Gulzada Shaizhanova, have partnered with a recycling company in the Kyzylorda Region to produce these sustainable structures, which blend eco-friendly materials with traditional Kazakh design[2]. Shaizhanova expressed hope that local authorities and other educational institutions will support the project, leading to more environmentally friendly installations throughout Balkhash[1].
The new installations not only contribute to a more sustainable urban environment by reducing plastic waste and promoting renewable energy through solar lighting, but they also enhance public spaces, making them more welcoming and culturally meaningful[1]. Plans include adding music speakers for traditional Kazakh music, further enriching the experience[1].
This grassroots initiative aligns with Kazakhstan's broader environmental goals, including greenhouse gas reduction and climate action strategies[2]. However, it is the local efforts like this one that could foster a culture of sustainability in a region confronting ecological degradation, such as Balkhash, which faces environmental challenges like pollution and decreasing water levels due partly to industrial activity around Lake Balkhash[4].
Shaizhanova is currently in talks with potential sponsors to expand the initiative across the city, with the prize money from the ecological marathon being used to fund the production of the newly installed structures[3]. The college will now maintain the structures, ensuring the solar panels are clean and the lamps are replaced when needed[5].
This eco-friendly project by the Balkhash students reflects a promising approach to urban sustainability, with the potential to improve environmental quality and community well-being in the city[1][4].
References: 1. Kazinform 2. The Astana Times 3. Balkhash administration 4. The Diplomat
- The students, led by Gulzada Shaizhanova, are collaborating with a recycling company to expand their sustainable project, aiming to produce more eco-friendly structures for home-and-garden improvements in Balkhash.
- This initiative, which promotes sustainable living in environmental-science by incorporating traditional Kazakh design, holds the potential to inspire other educational institutions and local authorities to catalyze broader changes for a greener lifestyle in the city.
