Plastic bottles and caps are among the most common types of waste that fill up landfills and litter streets, taking hundreds of years to decompose. Therefore, every contribution and reuse is valuable, whether it comes from large companies or individuals. Recycling is a simple and accessible way for everyone to contribute to preserving our planet. This is the story of Dragan Janković from Čoka, who crafts brooms from plastic bottles. In doing so, he not only helps combat plastic pollution but also provides himself with additional income.
After retiring due to health issues in 2011, Dragan faced the challenge of increasing his budget. While searching for ideas, he came across a video in Spanish about making brooms from plastic bottles. Although the translation was poor, Dragan persevered and mastered the technique through determination and effort.
He started collecting bottles around the village, and when his friends heard about his plan, they began bringing him plastic bottles. It took him a long time and many failed attempts to make his first broom. Fortunately, his persistence paid off. When his neighbors saw Dragan making brooms, they began collecting bottles and delivering them to his doorstep to help him and contribute to the fight against pollution. Today, it takes him about an hour and a half to make one broom, with his only cost being the purchase of wooden handles.
As Dragan explains, the process of making the brooms is far from easy. First, the bottles must be washed, and the labels and caps must be removed before drying. Next, the bottles are cut into thin strips, which are then wound onto frames and boiled in water. Once dried, the strips are used for the final assembly. These brooms are durable and ideal for sweeping leaves. They are often purchased at fairs or directly from Dragan.
IN FOCUS:
- Green Mobility Is A Key Part Of The European Green Deal
- Green Projects – TENT A Gets A Solar Power Plant
- Alternative Fuels – the EU’s Path to Climate Neutrality
Although he lives in a small community with low demand, Dragan is satisfied with the positive feedback and reactions.
“There aren’t many customers since this is a small place, but I regularly attend fairs, and people also come directly to me to pick out the broom they want. Most customers are happy with the brooms, and the feedback has been positive. The brooms last a long time and are irreplaceable for sweeping leaves,” Dragan shares.
Recycling as a Way of Life
The stretch between Ostojićevo and Čoka is littered with discarded bottles, a sight that, unfortunately, is not uncommon in the country. While citizens mostly ignore plastic waste on the streets and municipal services still struggle to clean up improperly disposed of garbage, Dragan sees an opportunity to do something useful by crafting brooms from recycled bottles.
In addition to brooms, Dragan also makes briquettes for heating from cardboard, paper, and sawdust. This mixture is soaked, mixed in a concrete mixer, pressed, and left to dry in the sun. Once dry, the briquettes are ready for use and, when combined with wood, can be used for heating.
Prepared by Milena Maglovski
The story was published in the Energy portal Magazine ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT.
