NEA² PROJECT, A CASE STUDY OF ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AT A FEDERAL INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION

Abstract

The disposal and recycling of organic solid waste is one of the great contemporary environmental challenges. This article is a case study on the NEA² Extension Project, which addressed organic waste management and environmental education carried out at the Federal Institute of Paraná, Foz do Iguaçu Campus, in the years 2019 and 2020, and sought to promote sustainability, aiming to reduce and recycle the organic waste produced in the institution and disseminate these practices to the external community. It also involved the use of techniques such as composting and vermicomposting, as well as the realization of short courses, workshops and the production of educational materials. Despite the challenges faced, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the project achieved positive results, raising awareness among the community about the correct disposal of waste, contributing to local and regional sustainable development. However, after its closure and the non-continuity of the activities developed due to the removal of the coordinator, it is perceived that the awareness of students, especially those entering from the year 2021, was impaired, and there is a need to continue these actions at IFPR, so that they can be replicated in people's homes and in other educational institutions,  at all levels of training.