SANTO DOMINGO – An initiative is underway in the Dominican Republic that aims to transform waste into useful solutions for agriculture. The project involves manufacturing electric fence posts from recycled plastics and sargassum seaweed, two materials that pose serious environmental problems in the region.
According to project data, every 100 posts manufactured represent the recovery of approximately 2,000 pounds of plastic and the processing of 100 pounds of dried and shredded sargassum. This is equivalent to removing a small truckload of seaweed from the beaches.
The proposal is being spearheaded by Reform RD, a company that has designed a process to utilize this waste and transform it into durable and long-lasting products. The aim is to reduce pollution in seas and beaches, while simultaneously offering a practical alternative for farmers and ranchers.
Sargassum, a macroalga that invades the Caribbean coasts every year, affects tourism and marine ecosystems. Its accumulation in large quantities creates difficulties for coastal communities, which must allocate resources to its cleanup and disposal.
On the other hand, plastic waste in rivers and seas has become one of the main environmental threats. Reusing this material in industrial processes is considered a key strategy for reducing its impact and promoting a circular economy.
The final product consists of weather-resistant posts that are more durable than conventional materials. They are primarily used for electric fences, widely employed in the agricultural sector to demarcate land and protect crops or livestock.
The initiative aligns with the principles of sustainability by transforming waste into useful resources. In this way, it contributes to the cleanup of natural spaces and reduces pressure on landfills, integrating technological innovation into rural production.
Reform RD's experience demonstrates how environmental challenges can be transformed into development opportunities. Manufacturing recycled posts opens the possibility of expanding the model to other products, reinforcing the idea that sustainability can be integrated into daily life and agricultural activity in the country.
