Educación comunitaria hacia una gestión sostenible de los residuos sólidos

Abstract

A problem regarding the theme of Urban Solid Waste (MSW) is perceived in all spheres in the Malvín Norte neighborhood, Montevideo. There have been several unsuccessful attempts by neighbors to deal with the issue. On this occasion, the issue was addressed on a small scale to achieve changes that can be maintained over time by the neighbors. Workshops were held, which addressed the awareness of waste generation, composting, orchards and cooperation. Based on the principles of Ecohealth, the methodology adopted in the workshops was participation-action, and it consisted of an introductory activity, which emphasized its relevance to achieve sustainable management, and then, in groups, the participants presented strategies of local development. As a result of these workshops, a community orchard has been created in the local school, which is managed by the town residents themselves. In addition, they have expressed these workshops encouraged them to start taking care of green spaces in their own homes and in the neighborhood. In this line, they have requested to continue the training workshops in order to take the next step creating a community composting area, thus beginning with the sustainable management of organic waste.