Did you know that on average each Portuguese produces 40 kg of waste per month? That every year we produce a quantity of waste equivalent to the weight of 3 Vasco da Gama Bridges? And, by the simple gesture of separating our used packaging, can we contribute significantly to the increase of recycling in Portugal?
Doubts and curiosities about waste management and recycling in Portugal can be clarified in the latest video "RECYCLE IS NOW". The action is the result of a partnership between EGF - Environmental Global Facilities, ESGRA - Waste Management Association and ERSAR - Regulatory Authority for Water and Waste Services, with the support of Sociedade Ponto Verde.
The film was developed to sensitize the recycling of used packaging, showing the citizen the environmental, social and economic impacts. The inspiration for the video came from a reflection on what can be done for the planet, explaining to citizens the importance of good waste management in Portugal to achieve a more sustainable society, protect the environment and boost the national economy.
Knowing that every year more than 5 million tons of urban waste are produced in Portugal, equivalent to 3 Vasco da Gama bridges, the video also reveals the amount of waste produced by each Portuguese: 40 kg per month and almost half a ton per year.
There is considerable growth potential in the adoption of separation at home and away from home, and consequently increased recycling. If each of us does our part, not only will we have a more efficient use of resources, but from this habit will emerge innovative products and business models, in line with the principles of circular economy.
To make a difference, simply place the containers in the appropriate containers: plastic and metal in the yellow ecoponto; bottles, jars and glass jars in the green ecoponto; and cartons of paper, as well as newspapers and magazines, in the blue ecoponto.
From the simple gesture of separating the packaging and used and remaining waste by material and placing them in the container with the right color, we are playing an active role in environmental savings since we are contributing to the minimization of resource extraction, to save water and energy and to generate jobs inherent to this area of activity.
If each of us separates all the used packaging we can contribute to recycle 100kg every year. The secret is just one: separate all the packages always and everywhere. We are thus helping the environment, the economy and ensuring a better future for the next generations. For example, currently 16% of waste is turned into organic grease for use in agriculture and forestry; and 23% are waste transformed into energy, which allows us to light and warm our homes; and that waste management is responsible for the creation of more than 13,000 jobs.
The film has a duration of 1:45 and is available on the websites of the entities involved, and will be disseminated throughout the country and by all entities that treat and value urban waste in Portugal. A shorter version of 42 is also available. "The initiative was creatively developed by NOWA.
To see the full movie, click HERE.
To see the short film, click HERE.
About EGF
EGF, Environmental Global Facilities, is a European company of reference in the environmental sector and leader in waste treatment and recovery in Portugal. Reinforced by its integration into the MOTA-ENGIL Group, EGF is the majority shareholder in 11 waste treatment concessionaries: Algar, Amarsul, Ersuc, Resiestrela, Resinorte, Resulima, Suldouro, Valnor, Valorlis, Valorminho and Valorsul.
About the Green Point Society
Sociedade Ponto Verde is a private, non-profit institution whose mission is to organize and manage the recovery and recovery of packaging waste, promoting CIRCULAR ECONOMY through the implementation of the Integrated System of Waste Packaging Management (SIGRE), better known as "Green Point System". raising awareness and education for best environmental practices is one of the main objectives of Sociedade Ponto Verde among the Portuguese.
About ESGRA
ESGRA is a private non-profit association whose mission is to promote the interests of its members in the management of urban waste treatment systems, as well as its strategic development, currently representing 15 entities, wich 13 Urban Waste Management Systems in the Continent and in the Autonomous Regions of the Azores and Madeira, as well as the representation of Portugal in the Municipal Waste Europe (MWE), European Waste Association.
About ERSAR
The Regulatory Authority for Water and Waste Services is responsible for regulating water and waste services, including regulating the quality of water for human consumption. It aims to ensure that the management entities of these services provide quality services at affordable prices. ERSAR's integrated regulatory model is based on two distinct but complementary plans:
- Structural regulation, contributing to the organization, regulation, training and dissemination of information from the water and waste sectors.
- Behavior regulation of management entities, through legal and contractual regulation, economic, quality of service provided, quality of water for human consumption and interface with consumers.
