Educação ambiental e gestão de resíduos sólidos: caminhos locais para a mitigação e adaptação à crise climática em experiência intersetorial

Abstract

Environmental education (EE) is a strategic instrument for building sustainable communities that are aware of solid waste management. This study aimed to report and analyze the implementation of the projects “Clean City, Everyone’s Duty” (2013–2021) and “Clean City, Zero Mosquito” (2019–2024) in the municipality of Campina da Lagoa, Paraná, highlighting the participatory methodology, the results achieved, and the lessons learned from the intersectoral collaboration among the areas of education, health, environment, and social assistance. The research had an applied character, with a qualitative and quantitative approach and a descriptive nature. It was based on document analysis, institutional records, participant observation, and the collection of quantitative data on recyclable waste delivered to the Campina da Lagoa Recyclable Collectors Association (ACARECAL). The results indicated that the continuity of educational actions and the integration among different sectors strengthened local waste management, increasing public participation in selective collection and the volume of recyclable materials. Between 2013 and 2024, there was significant growth in the amount of recyclables sent to ACARECAL, reflecting community mobilization and the consolidation of a participatory environmental culture. Playful and educational activities such as competitions, parodies, plays, contests, and workshops, combined with community communication and teacher training, contributed to strengthening critical environmental awareness. It is concluded that the analyzed projects demonstrate the potential of intersectoral and continuous environmental education as a tool for mitigation and adaptation to the climate crisis in small municipalities. The experience showed that public policies based on social participation, critical education, and intersectoral integration can generate tangible impacts on waste management and the promotion of public health, directly contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 11, 12, and 13) of the 2030 Agenda.