Gizmodo featured a hand cranked machine that slices plastic bottles into roof thatch. The photo below shows the machine and the finished product.

In Ecuador, the traditional thatched huts were getting more challenging to build with the loss of grass lands to farming. By utilizing this machine and gathering 1600 two liter soda bottles, a permanent thatched roof can be installed. Along with being a long life material, the plastic allows light to pass into the hut. This daylighting reduces the reliance on candles and other harmful light sources.

I love to see creative adaptive reuse. In this case, Dr. David Saiia, a professor at Duquesne University, sketched the idea on a napkin when it came to him. As an associate professor of strategic management and sustainability, Dr. Saiia was investigating sustainable enterprises for the small farmers in Ecuador. As he applies for patents on the machine, he’s also investigating ways to automate the process and create business opportunities.

When I see someone grab a new idea, I’m inspired to keep pushing the boundaries on my own projects. I want to keep improving what we do. Success follows those who understand their processes and strive to constantly improve them.