green and yellow plants on white concrete building

EcoViva

A project developed and led by a student, which offers solid waste recycling consultancy for condominiums with a focus on sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy greater prosperity.

The Project

The EcoViva project aims to implement an efficient and accessible waste disposal and recycling system in condominiums. The proposal is to install adequate infrastructure for proper waste separation, educate residents and employees on responsible waste disposal, and promote the selective collection of materials, which will then be sent to recycling cooperatives.

Why do we need to act now?

In 2022, a study revealed that only 4% of the 27.7 million tons of solid waste generated in Brazil was recycled (source: ABREMA). In comparison, in the United States, the recycling rate reaches 32%, according to data from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency).

Creator

I'm Julia Bavaresco, a high school student passionate about sustainability and environmental responsibility. Faced with the growing problem of solid waste and the lack of awareness about the importance of recycling, I decided to unite my concerns in an innovative project called Ecoviva.

My commitment to fostering environmental responsibility in people reflects the urgency for everyone to do their part in building a more sustainable future.

Currently, most condominiums in my neighborhood don't recycle. This reality has motivated me to create local sustainable solutions and reinforces my goal of studying Environmental Sciences in college, so I can develop policies and technologies that promote recycling and sustainability on a larger scale in the future.

Sustainable Actions

four assorted-color trash bins beside gray wall
four assorted-color trash bins beside gray wall

To facilitate the disposal of recyclable materials (paper, plastic, metal and glass).

Collection Point for Batteries

Storage of used batteries, avoiding soil and water contamination.

Located in the garage or service area for collecting a larger volume of recyclable materials and storing used cooking oil.

Large Recycling Collector and Container for Cooking Oil

Installation of additional collectors on each floor

Differentiation of waste types (recyclable, organic and rejects)

For the EcoViva project to be successful, employee awareness is crucial. Ideally, training should be provided on the following topics:

Appropriate procedures for storing, collecting and disposing of each type of waste.

To calculate average waste generation, it's essential to consider the number of residents and the type of waste produced.

This data forms the basis for determining collection frequency, setting realistic waste reduction goals, and evaluating the effectiveness of the project's proposed actions.

Waste Generation Formula

Recycling Cooperatives are places where solid waste is separated, then compressed and sold to recycling companies.

These cooperatives, in addition to contributing to environmental preservation, have a significant social impact, as thousands of low-income people support their families through them.

COOPERATIVES

Use of Recycled Materials by Cooperatives

The collected recyclable materials are sent to cooperatives that separate, process, and sell the recyclable products.

Benefits include:

Creation of new products from recyclable materials (plastic, glass, paper and metal).

Income generation for cooperatives and workers involved in collection and recycling.

Encouraging the circular economy, reducing the waste of natural resources.

The EcoViva project aims to transform the way condominium residents deal with the waste they produce, contributing to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable environment for everyone.

Benefits

Separating organic waste from recyclable waste allows it to be used for composting, reducing the amount sent to landfills.

Organic Waste Reduction

By donating recyclable materials to local cooperatives, we contribute to the generation of income for collectors and workers in the recycling sector.

Social Role

Implementing environmentally friendly practices improves the condominium's image, increasing the property's value and attracting new residents committed to sustainability.

Condominium Reputation