13 december 2023
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY OF 2023 THAT PLASTICS AND CANS WILL BE COLLECTED
It’s early in the morning when the dedicated volunteers of the group Chazuta Chuya Chuya and the employees of the Muncipalidad of Chazuta, gather at the central square of Chazuta, called Plaza de Armas.
When everyone has arrived, we head off to specific neighborhoods to collect recyclables. Despite the overnight rain, a usual hindrance to the work, the weather is dry in the morning.
Chazuta´s unpaved roads can often pose challenges after a rainy night, as the garbage truck is risking getting stuck in the mud. But today the road is good and everyone is excited to get collecting.
A GROWING AWARENESS IN CHAZUTA: PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IS IN THE SPOTLIGHT
REALIZATION
Residents of Chazuta are starting to realize how important it is to safeguard the environment. Even the younger generation is beginning to understand that throwing trash into the river is not the right way to dispose of it.
AWARENESS
The growing awareness of Chazuta is impressive and stands out in Peru. This unique consciousness is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Chazuta Chuya Chuya volunteers and the Chazuta Municipalidad. They work tirelessly to educate the citizens about the necessity of not disposing of rubbish in rivers or jungles.
| The message is resonating, and even the children are realizing that littering in the river is not the way to go..
If you want to learn about Chazuta Chuya Chuya, please click on the following link to take a look.
FUN
Recently, specially constructed metal containers for collecting plastic have been implemented. This recent addition to Peruvian waste-managment-procedures is an important step forward for Chazuta.
The installation of these metal bins has not only modernized the recycling stratagy, but has also introduced an element of fun for the community. The act of collecting recyclables has evolved into a fun and rewarding activity for the citizens of Chazuta.
MOUNTAIN OF WASTE
Since around 12,000 people are living in Chazuta, the current method of waste disposal presents a big challenge. The trash in the waste dump, which is situated in the middle of nature, keeps piling up fast.
You wouldn’t believe how many plastic bottles are being consumed every day. All those bottles are piling up, creating a mountain of waste. And guess what? Chazuta is just one of 16 villages around here, and all of them are contributing to this massive collection of plastics and cans.
Now we have to do something about it, and the volunteers from Chazuta Chuya Chuya are leading the way!
COOL IDEA
Chazuta Chuya Chuya has come up with a cool idea to make people in Chazuta excited about sorting their garbage. If you separate your garbage, especially plastic and cans, you’re in for a treat. You’ll earn a useful reward: a bar of soap for cleaning your clothing.
It may seem unimportant, but it’s a small way to express gratitude and to make waste management a bit more fun. It’s all about creating a more eco-friendly, happier, and healthier community in which we live. With these initiatives, Chazuta is putting a lot of effort into making everyone’s surroundings sustainable and more green.
A BAR OF SOAP
This soap is provided by the municipality of Chazuta for the people who collect plastics and cans. It’s a way for the municipality to show the importance of recycling, which is a really great thing! As we hit the streets, we don’t waste any time. The plan is to roll up sleeves and collect for a solid two hours, which should enable us to reach today’s target. All the plastic trash that has been tossed onto the streets is scooped up along the way. It´s a hands/on effort to tidy up and make a positive impact in the community.
ROL UP THE SLEEVES
As we hit the streets, we don’t waste any time. The plan is to rol up sleeves and collect for a solid two hours, wich should enable us to reqch today’s target. All the plastic trash that has been tossed onto the streets is scooped up along the way. It’s a hands-on effort to tidy up and make a positive impact in the community.
A SPECTACLE
It’s quite a spectacle when the garbage truck rolls into the neighborhoods. The truck isn’t shy about announcing its arrival. It comes equipped with a loudspeaker, letting everyone know that their collected plastics and cans are about to be picked up. It’s like a community call to action, encouraging Chazuta residents to contribute their recyclables as the truck makes its rounds.
| The message on the garbage truck is clear to all
REWARD WORKS
People eagerly line the roadside, ready to hand in their recyclables and get their bar of soap. The prospect of receiving this little reward has become a fantastic motivator for everyone.
OLD & YOUNG
Even the Children are delighted about donating their gathered plastics and cans. It’s fantastic because awareness starts with the Children. Afterall they own the future. Their participation in the campain not only lends youthfull enthusiasm to the cause but also guarantees that the values of responsible waste management are deeply rooted in Chazuta from a early age., paving the way for a more conscientious and sustainable future.
A BOOST FOR THE VOLUNTEERS
Todays collection went very well, and everyone is feeling a sense of accomplishment. It provides a boost to the volunteers dedicated to creating a cleaner Chazuta. The collective effort and positive spirit are driving the mission for a more invironmentally consious and sustainable community
IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THIS WAY
Even with the weekly garbage pickup, some residents insist on old habits, arguin, “it has always been this way”. It would not be fair to blame them completly; this is the strategy they’ve always used. The people trow their trash on the riverbanks, witing for the river to rise and wash the trash away. The consequences are someone else’s problem. The common mindset tends to be “out of sight, out of mind”.
EDUCATION
We think it’s critical to educate the inhabitants of Chazuta and the surrounding villages. There is a pressing need for greater awareness of the importance of recycling and secure waste disposal. Proper waste management is a common responsibility that goes beyond Chazuta; it is an international concern that requires a collaborative approach.
FULL GARBAGE TRUCK
Time flew like always in the jungle. Before we knew it, it was 8 pm. We succesfully collected all recyclables in the designated neighborhoods. The garbage truck, now completly full, indicated the completion of today’s mission. Well done verybody!
WELL DESERVED REST
With a sense of fulfillment, everyone headed home. It’s truly admirable how these volunteers devote their time for a cleaner Chazuta. I believe most folks returned to bed, like myself, for a well-deserved rest after a refreshing shower.
THE END
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