Signs against waste
Chazuta, 31-10-2024
On October 31, 2024, a significant action day took place in the heart of Chazuta, organized by the dedicated volunteers of Chazuta Chuya Chuya. In collaboration with the municipal authorities of the Chazuta district, Rondas Campesinas, and our NGO, Amagreenzone, we committed ourselves to creating a cleaner and healthier environment. This day focused on raising awareness about the waste issue in our region, aiming to address critical locations in and around Chazuta. By installing signs in areas where waste is often dumped, we hope to inspire the community to protect our natural surroundings. With the construction of a new waste separation center on the horizon, we are determined to make a difference together.
Team Up for Change: Spreading Awareness in Chazuta
After lunch, we gathered at the Plaza de Armas in Chazuta to kick off the next phase of our action day. Participants formed teams, each tasked with heading to different locations throughout Chazuta to install the awareness signs. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm and a shared sense of purpose as volunteers from various backgrounds came together to tackle the pressing issue of waste disposal in our community.
Each team set out to strategically selected spots where waste dumping had become a common problem. With the sun shining down, we worked together, securing the signs in place and discussing the importance of keeping our environment clean. This collective action not only aimed to beautify our surroundings but also to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship for our natural resources.
Installing Signs for a Cleaner Future
We were assigned to a group heading north in Chazuta to put up the awareness signs, especially along the road to Tunutunumba. Before we could start, we needed the right materials.
The poles were brought to Plaza de Armas, where we split them among the different groups. With our poles in hand, we set out to our area, ready to make a difference. We used tools to dig holes in the ground, preparing to secure the poles for the signs
Hitting the Road: Our First Stop
Not long after, we were on our way. Our group consisted of six people, and we quickly got to work on the first hole. This spot is a common area for dumping waste. It’s located near a small river, and during the rainy season, the water rises and carries the trash into the Huallaga River. From there, the current can take it all the way to Brazil, polluting the Amazon rainforest along the way, and eventually to the Atlantic Ocean.
In the past, when Chazuta didn’t have garbage trucks, local people would put their waste on the riverbanks. When the water rose, the trash would float away—out of sight and out of mind. But now, there’s no reason to keep this practice going. It’s time to break old habits and find better ways to manage waste.
Installing Signs Along the Way
Along the road to Tunutunumba, we dug five holes and installed five signs. The work was tough, especially with large stones making it difficult to dig. The burning sun beat down on us, and pesky ants created a stinging sensation on our feet and heads, but we pushed through.
Despite the challenges, our determination to make Chazuta cleaner kept us going. Each sign we put up felt like a small victory in our mission to raise awareness about waste disposal.
Our Final Destination: Tunutunumba
Our final destination was Tunutunumba, a small river with fresh mountain water. This river is also the source of drinking water for Chazuta. Near the origin, at the Tunutunumba waterfall, there’s a reservoir that channels water through pipes to the town.
We hung the signs at a popular spot along the river where many people come to relax, especially on weekends. The water here is wonderfully cool and incredibly clear in the summer. You can see Amazon fish swimming right beneath the surface—a truly beautiful sight!
A Satisfying End to the Day
Once the work was done, we rode back to Chazuta feeling accomplished. Soon, we met up with the other teams, who had also finished their tasks. Together, we enjoyed some refreshing drinks and chatted about the wonderful day we had.
This was a great initiative, and many more actions will follow. It’s important to raise awareness in Chazuta. We must stop polluting the world’s most important ecosystem!
Get Involved!
If this project has sparked your interest, we invite you to visit our website at www.amagreenzone.com. We are currently fundraising to build a new waste separation center where plastic, cans, and organic waste will be sorted. Plastic and cans will be sent for recycling, and organic materials will be turned into compost.
To support our efforts, please click the link below to visit our GoFundMe page: