Social and Environmental Diagnosis of the Community of Garbage Collectors in Paudalho, Brazil

Abstract

Unlimited consumption of disposable goods and the generation and accumulation of solid wastes is perhaps one of the most relevant current environmental issues. Current analysis provides a social and environmental diagnose of a community of garbage collectors in the town of Paudalho in the interior of the Brazilian northeastern state of Pernambuco. Methodology comprised weekly meetings with informal activities based on talks and expositions. Results showed that it was possible to estimate the high level of awareness of the workers with regard to environmental and social issues provided by the accumulation of garbage and wastes and their work conditions. However, the workers failed to perceive their importance as active environmental agents when they separated domestic wastes, due to the marginalization of their work by society. This point of view was changed through current research through expositions and reflections suggested by the team. Positive and satisfactory results ensued. Many proposals were received with regard to the diversification of recycled material for the manufacturing of artifacts and increase of income. Current paper is a report on people who collect wastes and invites the readers to think on the improvement of the workers´ life and the preservation of the environment we live in.