On Sustainability in Brazil

The topic of sustainability covers countless areas. An important factor influencing the issue is the behavior of each individual. How consciously are goods consumed and what footprint is left behind by personal habits?
Let's take a look at Brazil, the fifth-largest country in the world. More than 200 million people here share responsibility for the use of given resources. Find out, how present the term “sustainability” really is in everyday life here.

On your trip to Brazil, you will quickly make some observations. Waste separation doesn't exist in most households and purchases are busily placed into plastic bags at the supermarket. Bags made of fabric for transporting goods are rarely seen in Brazilian supermarkets.
At first glance, the issue of sustainability doesn't yet seem to have made a real splash in the country. However, during a longer stay in Brazil, you'll notice that the idea of sustainability is becoming increasingly important.

It is, above all, important to create awareness about sustainability. This was also the view of the founders of the "Garbage Museum" (Museu do Lixo) in the state of Santa Catarina. As absurd as it may sound at first, the message conveyed is ingenious. The museum was founded in 2003 and draws attention to sustainable consumption in society. Four key action words are at the forefront of its work: rethink, reduce, reuse and recycle.

All the exhibits in the museum were made from materials, that had previously ended up in the trash. The artists have thus succeeded in creating a place, where the existing consumption habits of society can be reflected.
Today, the museum receives about 7,000 visitors per year. Among them are many groups of students, who are enthusiastic about the art project.

In addition to the exhibition, lectures are also held to draw the attention of the younger generation to the explosive issue of sustainability. The lectures tackle topics around possibilities of more conscious consumption and thus contributing to the protection of the environment. Visitors are also encouraged to try their hand at making new products from old materials—a nice idea that, apart from being fun, doesn't lose its serious message.

What you might quickly notice on your trip to Brazil are the numerous thrift shops. Here the motto is: "Those who search, will find what they are looking for." You can find just about anything here, from clothing and technical equipment to children's toys.

A particularly well known thrift market, Brechó Eco Solidário, comes together annually in the city park of Salvador. The market was launched in 2006 and has been a great success ever since. It is a huge exchange event, where participants can exchange their used goods for fictitious currency. With the money received, visitors can then buy other goods at the market.
Various workshops and lectures on sustainability also take place throughout the day, calling for reflection on personal consumption and the avoidance of waste. The rummage sale urges visitors to pay attention to sustainable production when buying new products.

Salvador is not only known for its rummage sale. It also offers other attractions worth seeing besides its sustainable impulses. Stroll through the lively city with its colonial architecture. An elevator connects the upper part of the city to the lower part. This unusual means of transport will delight you with a fantastic view over the harbor. Discover the most beautiful sides of the country on your vacation. We will be happy to advise you in planning your trip to Brazil and look forward to your inquiries.

Source: www.pmf.sc.gov.br