Following the ashfall that started after Taal Volcano underwent a phreatic eruption on January 12, people from affected areas, particularly those closest to where the eruption had occurred, have been left with mounds of volcanic ash.
Biñan City, one of the areas affected by ashfall, turned the remains of volcanic ash into something the city could actually benefit from. Through the city’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), various blocks of bricks have been produced through the remains of the eruption.
According to the Biñan City Information Office, the MRF has been producing eco-bricks from recycled plastic materials. In light of the Taal eruption, Biñan City mayor Arman Dimaguila initiated a simultaneous cleanup drive among the city residents to collect volcanic ashes for the facility to use as materials for bricks.
When asked about their plans for the ash-made bricks, the office said, “The eco-bricks were initially installed as pathways in public schools and later on will be used in the construction of barangay sidewalks.”
ICYDK, volcanic ash is made up of rock, mineral, and glass combined. According to a study by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineers, there are a couple of advantages when volcanic ash is used as an alternative for making cement. For instance, the production of cement alone produces an impactful “environmental footprint,” so using volcanic ash—a naturally made material—would significantly reduce this footprint.
From The Candy Bulletin Community
