Saint Eve, from Silveira Neto’s Flickr
I had the opportunity, today, of reading statement-interview, with Vilma Peramezza, trustee of the “Conjunto Nacional” (National Complex) and a pioneer in selective collection. She brings lots of sensible subjects and came, almost together with other news, published in OGlobo (newspaper), that I read in the Recycling Pages: Cetesb will count the cities that export their garbage.
On days prior to Christmas, besides the traffic that is totally crazy, life is flagged with consumption appeal. Formal workers usually get some extra money, here comes the time to fill the bottom of the tree with gifts and everybody goes to the mall.
The results of this consumption are millions of tons of… garbage. Many times, recyclable. In all of the Sao Paulo state, so tells us that article from the Recycling pages, only 5% of all garbage is recycled. In the capital, 2%. It’s worth to emphasize that the National Complex, thanks to continued education already recycles 15% of its garbage. With very little economic advantage. And, according to Cetesb, 30% or 35% of the garbage that go to embankments, is recyclable. Such precious space spent with what shouldn’t be there – and that, not to talk about the soil and spring contamination.
When you buy a gift, do you think about it? Probably not. I think you should. I’ve never hesitated in buying a book – one of the gifts that I love giving the most. But, I’ve thought it over one zillion times: the packages. I never let the store pack it, I don’t need a plastic bag – why do I have my ecobag? – and I use everything. I’ve given a present, once, rapped in newspaper with the most beautiful ribbon. A friend of mine, invented, long time ago, a very simple package, in light green silk paper (that I think is not very ecologic) with red ribbon. These simple games – and a lot more personal – make all difference.
I invite you all: what if, almost Christmas, we imagine, really, more ecologic gifts? Reminding us that the world can be sweeter, less pasteurized and better taken care of. What do you suggest?
Read the original post in portuguese (Ladybug Brasil Blog): Uma Reflexão Sobre o Lixo
