DOI: 10.31025/2611-4135/2026.19593 ISSN: 2611-4135

FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION: ENGAGING STUDENTS IN ZERO WASTE INITIATIVES

Jutta Gutberlet, Felipe Rodriguez Torres, Carolina Carvalho, Klaus Frey, Sylmara Lopes Francelino Gonçalves Dias, Nelise Bacocina
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Within the circular economy, zero waste is an aspirational concept and practical approach aimed at keeping materials at their highest value for as long as possible through rethinking, reducing, reusing, and only subsequently recycling and composting. Rather than focusing solely on waste management, zero waste also seeks to strengthen local economies, protect the environment, sustain livelihoods, and promote community empowerment. Cooperation with social actors such as youth—often excluded from policy processes—can help address gaps in waste reduction and resource diversion. With youth representing a significant and growing share of the global population, and in the context of escalating environmental challenges, engaging young people in sustainability and climate action has become increasingly important. Meaningful engagement depends on creating spaces for learning and capacity building that enable youth to act as innovators and local champions. Initiated in 2024, this research takes place in Victoria, Canada, and in São Bento do Sapucaí and Gonçalves in southeastern Brazil. The project engages youth in participatory research on waste management and promotes sustainable practices in schools and communities. Through interviews, workshops, and student mentoring, middle school students explored waste, recycling, and sustainability, developing practical solutions such as improved sorting stations, reduced plastic use, and awareness campaigns. Students also extended their efforts beyond schools by mapping neighborhood waste hotspots and proposing initiatives including tree planting, community gardens, curriculum integration, and student-led ambassador programs. The project demonstrates the potential of youth-driven, grassroots initiatives to foster environmental responsibility and contribute to more sustainable and resilient communities.

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