Siliguri: Eco-bricks for eco-friendly campus, NBU students recycling waste and plastic bottles

Mass communication students at North Bengal University (NBU), North Bengal’s oldest and largest university, located northwest of Siliguri, have taken up the task of recycling plastic bottles and waste and making eco-bricks for some constructions.

Head of the department Barun Roy said a group of third semester students, who joined a campaign called “Na Chhed Nature” (Don’t disturb nature), made eco-bricks in collaboration with Mirik-based Let’s Go Foundation. Non government organization.

“A National Service Scheme unit of the university also participated in the campaign. He collected about 300 kg of garbage from the premises. They were then put into plastic bottles to make eco-bricks. The first batch of about 120 such eco-bricks was used to create a seating area in front of the mass communication department,” Roy said.

The aim is to keep the NBU campus clean and encourage students to recycle non-biodegradable plastics, he said.

“We will make the entire fence of our department from these eco-bricks and have invited all other departments to come and learn how these bricks are made. Students in one department need to spend just one hour a week to learn it. “All students should learn it for the sustainable development of the university and to keep it garbage free,” Roy said.

NGO member Rakesh Sharma said it took them two days to make 120 eco-bricks.

“These bricks can be used to make chairs, tables and benches. Besides, they can also be used to construct walls and other structures,” said Sharma.

Apart from making eco-bricks, the Department of Mass Communication also launched two other campaigns to promote recycling of plastic.

The woman named Ritu the Red was on menstrual hygiene.

“There will be a menstrual pad bank in the department from where girl students can get free pads. Students also promote the need for hygiene during the menstrual cycle,” said a source.

The third campaign, Mind Healer, was on mental health.

“This campaign was organized on Monday. Doctors from North Bengal Medical College and Hospital came and talked to the students. He shared his insights and gave tips on mental health, depression and psychology,” said Roy.