Environmental information for sustainable development: solidarity selective and solidary collection of recyclable materials by “Gota do Óleo Association” (AGO), in Eunápolis, Bahia, Brazil

Abstract

Purpose: Demonstrate the pivotal role of environmental information amongst all the project collaborators and to present the products resulting from the processing of recycling materials.

Method: The research is pragmatic, and the main tool used was an open interview with four of the street collectors, out of a team of 12 members, and their manager. The location of the research was the “Gota do Óleo” Association in Eunápolis, Bahia, Brazil. 

Result: The results demonstrate that “Gota do Óleo” Association has an important role in the education of the local community concerning environmental information. It also demonstrates the importance of the association as a source of income for the families of the local street collectors. They use credible environmental information from official agencies and disseminate quality information in their social media platforms. The main products from the association are: brooms, clothesline ropes, bottles and soap. The association also promotes conferences on environmental education in schools and private companies.

Conclusion: There is a visible vacuum relative to the involvement of public libraries and professionals of information technology to mediate reliable environmental information to the general public, while this is a fertile field for their work. Local initiatives are crucial for rescuing the ecosystem, and an important source of income for the families.