PROJECT NAME: Greenhouse for Sustainable Farming

Project Vision

To create a sustainable, plastic-free school environment while maximizing limited agricultural land through innovative greenhouse farming made from recycled plastic bottles.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

Our school faces two challenges:

1. Accumulation of plastic bottles, which pollute the environment.
2. Limited land for expensive agricultural activities, restricting students’ practical learning and vegetable food production other than the opportunities of the school farm.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

• Environmental Impact: Eliminate plastic bottle waste in the school compound.
• Educational Impact: Promote hands-on learning in sustainable farming and recycling.
• Agricultural Impact: Use greenhouse technology to maximize crop yield in small spaces.
• Economic Impact: Produce food for consumption and sale to support school programs.
• Community impact: Collect bottles from them and share vegetables when ready.  Sensitise the community about the productive use of plastic waste to improve food security and nutrition for children.

SOLUTION: THE PLASTIC BOTTLE GREENHOUSE

A greenhouse built from recycled plastic bottles will:

• Reuse waste materials effectively.
• Create a controlled, productive growing space.
• Offer an educational platform for students to learn sustainable agriculture.
• Hands-on educational experience, including community engagement, and innovative thinking.

MATERIALS TO BE USED

1. Recycled Plastic Bottles – approx. 1,000 (500ml or 1L bottles)
2. Soft Wooden Timbers (for the frame) cut from fallen and overgrown trees on the school compound that will be replaced with indigenous and fruit trees. 
3. Nails and Hammer
4. Hinges (for the door)
5. Knife/Scissors (for cutting bottles)
6. Measuring Tape
7. Binding Wires

STEP-BY-STEP CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

1. Bottle Collection and Preparation

• Students collect used plastic bottles from the school and the community.
• Clean all bottles thoroughly.
• Cut off the bottoms and remove labels.
• Stack them into columns by threading through binding wire.

2. Build the Frame

• Create a base frame (3ft x 2ft) using wooden timbers.
• Fix vertical posts at corners and sides.
• Add horizontal top bars to complete the “skeleton.”

3. Attach the Walls

• Insert the plastic bottle columns between the frame supports.
• Tie with binding wire to keep them straight and secure.
• Repeat to form all walls and the roof.
• Leave an opening for a door and small vents.

4. Construct the Door

• Build a door frame from timber.
• Cover it with bottles.
• Attach with hinges to the greenhouse entrance.

5. Final Checks

• Ensure all parts are tight and stable.
• Create raised beds or place containers inside for planting.

HOW OUR GREENHOUSE WORKS

• Sunlight enters through the plastic walls.
• Heat is trapped, warming the inside even in cool weather.
• Warm air circulates and maintains stable conditions.
• Moisture is retained, creating a humid environment perfect for plant growth.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

• Reduced plastic waste in the school.
• Year-round food production (tomatoes, spinach, herbs, etc.).
• Practical agricultural training for students.
• Improved food security within the school.
• Model project for other schools and communities.

SUSTAINABILITY & EDUCATION LINK

This project reinforces the idea that education is an equalizer:

• It empowers Laudato Youth with creative, practical skills.
• Promotes environmental stewardship and sustainable living.
• It fosters research, teamwork, and innovation
• Inspires innovation regardless of background or resources.

If this project finds a funder, it will be developed to produce vegetables and fruits for the school and community in Wanyange. It will also promote the use of organic manure, and serves as an extracurricular activity, which provides opportunities for students to engage the community and improve their innovative hands-on skills; learning to make things and fix small domestic problems at home. 

INNOVATORS 

1. AWORI CHRISTINE
2. NAFUNA PEACE
3. NABIRYE LINDA
4. ZABALUNGI SHUNA
5. KAIDHIWA  ANGEL MARTHA 
6. AYIKORU HOPE ELIZABETH 

Mentor: Ms Immaculate Kisembo