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Yes! Sustainable Classrooms is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and our EIN is 99-3061791. If you donate through our website, you'll automatically receive a receipt via email for tax purposes. For donations made via check or Venmo, feel free to email us at hello@sustainableclassrooms.eco to request a receipt. Thank you for your generosity! We're thrilled to have you as part of the Sustainable Classrooms community.

First of all, THANK YOU for being here! Even if you can’t donate financially, your support means the world to us. There are many small but impactful ways you can help grow our mission: Follow and interact with us on social media Share our mission with family and friends Leave us a Google review Like and share our blog posts Every bit of engagement helps us reach more people and expand our impact!

Sustainable Classrooms is funded through donations, grants, and partnerships. Every dollar goes directly toward our mission of building sustainable classrooms and supporting educational infrastructure in developing communities.

You can support Sustainable Classrooms in several ways: Visit our Donate page to make an online contribution. Find us on Venmo: @Sustainable-Classrooms. Alternatively, you can mail a check to the following address: PO Box 7246 Missoula, MT 59807 Please make all checks payable to Sustainable Classrooms. Your generosity helps us continue building sustainable educational spaces!

We use strict quality control measures during the plastic recycling and brick-making process to ensure that the bricks are strong, safe, and long-lasting. We are currently working with the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources as the bricks undergo testing to meet safety and durability standards, making them a reliable alternative to traditional building materials.

Yes, melting plastic can release fumes into the air. Different types of plastic have varying melting points, and we're meticulous about controlling the temperature to avoid burning the plastic and releasing excess emissions. To further ensure safety, we use fume extractors that capture harmful byproducts. Our team members also wear protective gear and work in well-ventilated spaces to maintain optimal airflow and minimize exposure.

We source all of the plastic locally in Togo! Plastic pollution is a global issue, and there's no need to import plastic from elsewhere. Our mission goes beyond building classroom infrastructure—we also aim to improve the community by cleaning up the local environment. This approach helps us tackle both the plastic waste problem and the need for educational facilities at the same time. Currently, we are purchased recycled plastic granulates and shredded material from a plastic recycling plant in Lomé, Togo. We are currently seeking funding to invest in purchasing a shredding machine ($10,995 + shipping/taxes) that will allow us to be 100% self-sustaining. We can then look to further our employment locally to help us collect, clean, sort, and shred the plastic in the community!

Absolutely! There's enough plastic waste in Togo to build hundreds of classrooms. For example, the Togolese capital alone generates an estimated 320,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year (Afrik21, 2023). Unfortunately, due to inadequate waste management and a lack of enforcement, this waste isn't disposed of properly. As a result, it contributes to water contamination, damages agriculture, and creates unsafe public spaces. By recycling this plastic, we can address these environmental issues while building much-needed educational infrastructure. Reference: Afrik21. (2023). Togo: In Davie, the FAO encourages the recycling of plastic waste on the coast. Retrieved from https://www.afrik21.africa/en/togo-in-davie-the-fao-encourages-the-recycling-of-plastic-waste-on-the-coast/

The time it takes to build a classroom can vary depending on the availability of materials and local conditions. We are in the process of building out first pilot classroom and will have more of an understanding on the estimated time to complete one classroom, from collecting plastic waste to construction. Stay tuned!

We build classrooms from recycled plastic bricks, which are durable, weather-resistant, fireproof, and environmentally friendly. These classrooms are designed to provide a safe, sustainable learning environment for children in rural areas.

We are currently operating in Notsé, Togo, where we recycle plastic into bricks and are building our pilot classroom in Gada-Copé Adekpé. Our nonprofit is incorporated in Hayden, Idaho, and our founder, Jestine Lackner, is based in Missoula, Montana.

We actively engage the local community in the process by employing local workers, collaborating with local schools, and educating the community about the importance of recycling and sustainability. This helps empower the community and creates a sense of ownership over the project.

Yes! We welcome volunteers who are passionate about our mission. You can reach out to us through our Contact page or email us at hello@sustainableclassrooms.eco to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities, both on-site in Togo and remotely.