As our plastic use continues to grow, the world’s oceans and waterways are becoming increasingly polluted, with devastating environmental consequences.
It’s estimated that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the world’s oceans if we don’t change our use and disposal of it. Reducing our plastic consumption is as vital as recycling. And since plastic recycling usually produces a lower grade product, innovative ways to create upcycled, functional products is vital in minimizing pollution.
And one ingenious Ecuadorian company is doing exactly that. Focused on Tetrapak milk and juice packages, Ecuaplastic has been a leader in recycling in Ecuador since 2008, transforming Tetrapak waste into low carbon impact products from furniture and handbags to roof covers, floorboards, doors and bricks.
In fact, Ecuaplastic built its 90-square-meter office from upcycled plastic bricks. Manufactured from a recycled plastic and aluminum mixture known as Ecopak, the office was built in just a month and used the equivalent of 310,000 one-liter milk and juice boxes.
With Ecuaplastic focused on upcycling the plastic and aluminum components of milk and juice cartons, the company has partnered with Quito-based Incasa. The latter separates the cardboard from the polyaluminum and recycles it into stationary products.
Ecuaplastic’s dedication to its product reached new heights with the world’s very first home built solely from recycled milk and juice packages. The home diverted 1.2 million milk boxes from landfill and presented a revolutionary new way of building. The home is earthquake proof, resistant to inclement weather and harsh climates, offers excellent sound and heat insulation, cuts down on building time and costs, and is environmentally-friendly.
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Not only does the Pichincha-based company divert about 30 tons of trash from landfills every month, it also produces cost-efficient housing options that offer comfortable living with a significantly lower ecological impact than traditional brick and mortar homes. An Ecopak door that imitates marble uses up about 69 kg of plastic and aluminum, and Ecopak floor boards come in at a cost of only $10 per square meter.
Ecuaplastic team receives the Ecuadorian Environmental “Green Dot” Award from the Ministry of Environment December 2016 credits Ecuaplastic.com
The enthusiastic company recycles more Tetrapak boxes than Ecuador currently sources from selective trash collection. As a result, Ecuaplastic imports about 20% of its materials from neighboring countries, although the team tries to source as close to home as possible in a continuous effort to minimize their carbon footprint.
Ecuaplastic also provides more than 30 full-time jobs in the area and is looking to expand, as Swiss packaging giant Tetrapak aims to recycle 40% of waste generated by its products in Ecuador by 2020.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.