A educação ambiental e a compostagem doméstica: estratégia versátil para reutilização de resíduos sólidos orgânicos

Abstract

The present work was performed with fifteen students, 4th year class, from the public school “Escola Municipal de Ensino Fundamental Francisca Lencina”, located in the city of São Luiz Gonzaga-RS, approaching urban solid waste and recycling as subjects, especially by the domestic composting, in two moments, first was performed a lecture and after a practical activity of composting. Initially, was applied a questionnaire containing 23 questions, divided in two thematic topics, with the purpose of evaluate the knowledge level of the students about aspects related to urban solid waste, like production, separation and destination, and, more specific, about recycling and reuse of the waste, produced by the school and by their residences, especially organic waste, focusing on domestic composting. As a response of the questionnaire, was observed that several students haven’t basis about simple topics, like garbage selective collect and its environmental importance. The questionnaire was follow of an oral explanation, such as a small lecture, with the aim of guide the students about the importance of the garbage separation, the decrease of the quantity generated and, especially, its reuse, showing that individual attitudes strengthen collective attitudes, in terms of protection and preservation of the environment. In a second moment, domestic composting was the focus of the work. Firstly, was theoretically explained how to construct a domestic composter with recyclable materials, like a PET bottle, with each parts characterized. Then, through drawings made on blackboard, was demonstrated how the biological process of composting occurs, explaining the types of organic matter can be used and how it works. Then, with the help of the students, a compost system was set up with a 20 liter PET bottle, that practice showed to the students that is possible keep a compost pile in their homes demanded little financial expenses, with a process of simple execution. After 7 days, the composting system was observed and the initial questionnaire was applied again to verify the comprehension of the students with the development of the process, especially about protectionist visions of the environment. Finally, was concluded that activities related to environmental education, although through simple themes, such as domestic composting, are crucial for human development, especially children, guiding their relationships with nature, corroborating a harmonious and healthy relationship with the environment.