Nowadays it is not uncommon to read about initiatives aimed at reducing the waste produced among the population. In Umuarama (PR), for example, residents can exchange recyclables for? Green coins? for use at local fairs. In the city of Barueri (SP), recyclables are exchanged for a discount on the electricity bill.
But these are just a few examples. Nara Froes de Aguilar Giocondo, bachelor in environmental management from Esalq / USP and partner of UNA Assessoria em Sustentabilidade, explains that in 2010, the National Solid Waste Policy (Law No. 12,305 / 10) was published, which provides instruments to improve waste management in the country. This has brought to light the theme of recycling, the reverse logistics of packaging and products, the responsibility of municipalities (requiring the establishment of Municipal Waste Management Plans), the shared responsibility between manufacturers, consumers and government, among other actions. ?, he says.
And we as consumers also have our responsibilities. With simple actions we can produce less waste at home, thus collaborating with the best waste management in the country.
Check out some tips on how to do this:
1. Bet on? Conscious consumption?
It may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. Everything you bring to your home needs to be processed one way or another. If not used, recycled or reused, where will it end? In the trash. "The first step is always to think about conscious consumption, that is, rethink your choices and weigh all the factors involved in it, besides the price," says Nara.
Within this proposal, you can follow many actions that will reduce the waste you produce at home.
2. Buy vegetables in vegetable gardens
• Instead of buying your vegetables in supermarkets, already cut and packaged in a styrofoam tray (which is difficult to recycle), choose to shop at vegetable gardens, retail stores and fairs in your neighborhood. In addition to reducing the amount of packaging, you encourage the local economy, use less natural resources and emit less polluting gases to transport these products ?, explains Nara Froes.
3. Reduce the use of plastic bags
The tip on environmental management professional Nara is always to take your returnable bag to the supermarket. You can even bring some plastic bags home (they are not as villainous as they say), as they are very useful in transporting cleaning products (not to mix with the returnable food) and also for any source products. organic foods that can release liquids (such as meat, some fresh cheese, etc.).
Then, these bags should be reused for the dumps or transporting some other material ?, explains. “But let's face it, when you shop only with plastic bags, you get a lot more than you use when you take the returnable. Can we (and should) reduce it ?, he adds.
4. Stay tuned for packaging.
• Whenever you can, choose packages that contain the largest amount of your favorite product. In addition to being generally cheaper, they also generate less waste ?, says Débora Cardoso, a bachelor of environmental management from Esalq / USP, a partner at UNA Assessoria em Sustentabilidade.
Do you also highlight that there are several products that already work with refill system, as well as returnable packaging (for water, soda)? These are good options for reducing the amount of resources used and also the amount of waste generated after consumption.
"Another nice option is to buy bulk products or loose packaging (without the box that joins the various individual bags)," adds Deborah.
It is important to read the packages, analyze and compare. • Use product characteristics, combined with price, as a factor of choice. Search for 'green labels' options or? stamps? on your favorite products. Some better known and widespread are: the recycling symbol (which shows that the packaging can be recycled later), the FSC seal (which certifies that the paper was taken from controlled and / or reforested sources), the Fair Trade seal (or? fair trade ?, which certifies that a fair price has been established, establishing conditions of social and environmental balance in the production chain), organic stamps (which certifies the non-use of pesticides and other chemicals in their production), among others? environmental management.
According to Deborah, it is also good to avoid buying some packaging, such as Styrofoam and aluminized plastics, which are difficult to recycle and cost more, which makes not all cooperatives have access.
5. Dispose of packaging as soon as possible.
Deborah Cardoso points out that if the supermarket has recyclable collection points, it is good to take advantage now? your products right there. "This makes recycling more difficult and minimizes the possibility of misuse," he says.
6. Bet on new recipes and reduce waste
In your everyday life, try to make the most of your food. “Look for new recipes that take advantage of parts that would otherwise be discarded from vegetables, such as stalks and peels, for example,” says Nara Froes.
Be rational: reduce waste by buying only the amount you will consume. Remember that when discarding a food, the impact is great. In addition to generating waste, you are wasting all the inputs used to produce it, the labor paid to cultivate it, the fuel and gases emitted in your transportation, the energy consumed for your supermarket display, etc.? professional.
7. Reuse
It's easy to turn something that would go into the trash into a useful object. "If you have some craftsmanship and creativity, you can decorate, paint or fabric the recyclable packaging to make a trunk, vases, grocery / cotton pots / cotton swab etc," says Deborah Cardoso. "In our office, for example, we made a pencil-holder with potato chips (tube), a tuna can clip holder and a juice box paper holder," he adds.
With organic waste, in a simple way, it is possible to make a homemade compost that will transform them into an organic fertilizer that can be used. Another tip is to make a mixture of eggshell coffee grounds and apply directly to your pots and garden ?, says the professional.
8. Save on buying cleaning products
In the supermarket you can find a huge variety of cleaning products for different purposes: one to clean the window; another for the sink and so on.
But the truth is that you can use a single all-purpose cleaner. You can even prepare it at home with vinegar, for example, which has many uses. This way, in addition to saving with the month's purchase, you will avoid accumulating multiple packages that would go to waste.
9. Borrow or rent
Do you need something for a specific project but know you won't be using it again? How about borrowing from a friend or renting ?! The tip goes for those who need a particular tool, a book or magazine, etc.
10. Buy used clothes and make donations
It seems strange to talk about clothes here, since even that piece you no longer wear doesn't usually go to waste (but instead hangs in the closet). But the idea of conscious consumption holds true for this type of product as well.
Good quality thrift stores can now be found in various cities across the country. And even people who live well financially approve and collaborate with this kind of trade. So in addition to buying a used outfit when you can (of course, in good condition), donate your pieces that are standing at home!
Tips for recycling
For those who want to recycle, it is worth paying attention to some tips. • Check with your condominium or city hall for municipal selective collection, as well as times and forms of collection. So sort your materials and follow the recommendations ?, says Nara Froes.
"Only put the recyclables in your sidewalk dumps near the collection time, because if they are exposed to rain, they can make it difficult to recycle, and can store water, propagating vectors like the dengue mosquito?" adds the pro.
Often it is not necessary to separate the material according to each type of recyclables, check with the cooperative that operates in your region. It is also important that the packaging is washed. Remember, it's human beings who will manipulate them, so make it easier and keep your waste from attracting cockroaches, mice, etc. Whenever you can, also reduce their volume (knead, unfold) to facilitate their subsequent transport ?, concludes Nara Froes.
10 Ways to Reduce Waste | Zero Waste for Beginners (April 2024)
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