Trash to Treasure: How Scouts Turned Plastic into Change
In the heart of the bustling Parque das Mangabeiras, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on the sunny morning of June 3rd, 2023, the Sanumá patrol embarked on a remarkable journey to ignite the spark of recycling in young Scouts through their MUTECO project, following the guidelines of the Plastic Turner Challenge. This initiative not only aimed to instil the values of recycling, fostering personal development among the scouts and advocating for the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
The ambitious project led by Ana Júlia Lobato de Almeida Fantini Miranda, Giovanna, Isabela Borges Meireles, Luiza Fonseca Moraes e Lorena Fátima Braga da Silva, set up a series of five engaging activity bases to achieve their mission:
Base 1: Cleaning Up for a Greener Tomorrow
At the initial base, teams gathered with a shared goal: to collect as much plastic as possible from a designated area within the park. The aim was to leave behind a cleaner and better environment than they found. Scouts scoured the area with determination, picking up litter and understanding the profound impact of their actions on the environment.
Base 2: Recycling Creativity Unleashed
Each team's creativity was put to the test at the second base. Armed with recyclable materials, they were tasked with creating three useful objects. After the game, the Scouts not only showcased their innovative creations but also shared their newfound knowledge about recyclable materials and their respective recycling processes.
“Planning and executing the MUTECO was an incredible journey, yet full of challenges. From the first planning meeting, we felt the excitement and responsibility of making the activity attractive and great to everyone, especially since it was the first time, for all of the patrol guides, that we put together an activity. On the day of the joint effort, the feeling of seeing young people participating in the activity was inexplicable, we knew that all the effort was worth it.”
-Isabela Borges Meireles
Base 3: Sorting for a Sustainable Future
At this station, teams had to identify various materials and classify them into specific bins—paper, plastic, glass, metal, hospital remains, electronic, organic, and non-recyclable. This exercise not only enhanced their knowledge but also emphasized the importance of correct disposal.
Base 4: The Strategy of Sustainability
The teams regrouped to strategize for the challenging Kim's Game. In this unique challenge, they had to identify items, understand their decomposition times, and determine the appropriate treatment. It was a test of both memory and environmental awareness.
Base 5: Recycling with a Twist
The grand finale awaited the teams at the fifth base, where they prepared and presented entertaining skits that explained the nuances of recycling and highlighted the comical differences between recyclable and non-recyclable waste. Laughter echoed through the park as Scouts showcased their newfound knowledge in creative and hilarious ways.
As the day drew to a close at 5:30 PM, the Scouts had not only experienced a day filled with learning and fun but also made significant strides in promoting recycling within their community. The Belo Horizonte selective collection agency, their trusted partner in this endeavour, collected all the recyclable materials gathered during the challenge, ensuring their proper disposal and recycling.
“Organizing MUTECO was, for me, a very fun, yet different experience. As a guide, I was never part of the organization of an activity or project. After doing it, I realized how hard it is and how grateful we should be for our group leaders. Besides that, it was amazing to discover how the process of making an event works. It was also extraordinary to see positive feedbacks, people having fun and learning about recycling.”
- Ana Júlia Lobato
Turning the Tide Towards the Future
Through the Plastic Tide Turner Challenge, the Sanumá patrol achieved its mission of raising awareness about recycling and its importance among the 21 GEMAN Scout community. They not only earned their recycling badges but also left an indelible mark on Parque das Mangabeiras, leaving it cleaner and greener than ever before. This adventure wasn't just about turning plastic; it was about turning the tide towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future, one Scout at a time.