Integração da educação ambiental na gestão de resíduos sólidos no Jardim Tunduro

Abstract

This study aims to propose Environmental Education (EA) to mitigate the inadequate disposal of solid waste in Jardim Tunduro (JT). The hypotheses formulated were: Hypothesis 1; Environmental Education can contribute to mitigating inadequate waste disposal in Jardim Tunduru through awareness campaigns for users to adopt pro- environmental behaviors. Hypothesis 2; Environmental Education cannot contribute to mitigating the inadequate disposal of waste in Jardim Tunduru. In methodological terms, the study adopted a qualitative, descriptive approach. Data were obtained through observation and semi-structured interviews applied to 10 JT users chosen through Convenience sampling and four employees from the Department of Buildings, Parks and Gardens (DEPJ) chosen through Snowball sampling. The results of the study reveal that inadequate waste disposal in JT is influenced by factors such as infrastructure, education and pro-environmental behavior. Inadequate disposal of waste in the JT attracts animals such as cats, dogs and rats, in addition to causing bad smells and degrading the garden environment. Given the results, it was confirmed that EA contributes to mitigating the inadequate disposal of solid waste in JT through awareness-raising activities among users about the importance of adequate disposal of solid waste. Therefore, the study recommends that the Department of Buildings, Parks and Gardens make available deposit cans for each type of waste, to ensure their separation and hire environmental educators to develop and implement environmental awareness activities. Users of Jardim Tunduru are recommended to adopt pro-environmental behaviors regarding waste management and conservation of the garden.