Environmental Education Activities: How to Reduce and Deal with Waste

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results obtained with the project Activities of Environmental Education and Ethics: avoiding waste and dealing with trash, which was supported by the University of São Paulo’s Dean of Culture Community Relations. This project aimed to promote initiatives focused on environmental issues, such as management of waste produced from households, schools and public places (organic and recyclable wastes), waste minimization, and environmental conservation. Three schools from the city of São Carlos-SP were chosen based on the interest manifested by the coordination teams and teachers in the project proposals, on student ages and on types of institution (public or private). The activities offered a framework for reflection and exchange of experiences in a reality far from ideal regarding consumption habits and waste disposal. Without doubt, these actions are always positive, for they are designed to educate individuals concerning different conceptions of the environmental. Comparatively, the students showed to be differently interested in the proposed activities, which it was most related to different realities at home and schools. However, after facing environmental issues, they become highly motivated, solidifying a positive relationship between school and neighborhood.