Clean Home (Hogar Limpio)

Background

Santa Leticia is a region rich in flora and fauna. Its inhabitants lack awareness about the consequences their poor management of waste disposal has on their landscape, which is mirrored in the polluted waters of the nearby creeks. 

Objectives

To raise awareness and train the families of Santa Leticia in the proper management of waste collection, separation and storage, in order to preserve a healthy environment in the area. Indirectly, the project enhance community work.

Activities

• Coordinate a group of 12 women from the village of Santa Lucia to organise waste management in the village.
• Training in waste collection and sorting
• Construction and organisation of a warehouse (recycling park) for the accumulation of recyclable waste and training of the person who will manage it.
• Training in handmade handicrafts using recyclable materials (glass, plastics, fabrics, metals, paper, etc.), such as baskets, baskets, handles, wallets, bags, etc.
• Training in the use of organic material in the daily life of the village (organic fertilisers).
• Marketing of handicrafts made from recyclable material and of recycled organic material.
• Structure the group leading the project to become an association and register it in the chamber of commerce in order to channel resources from different organisations in the country and promote the project to a self-sustainable enterprise with a larger radius of action.
• Networking with recycling groups in La Plata.
• Educate and raise awareness in school activities to counteract diseases, bad smells and insects.

Results

• The population of Santa Leticia demonstrates that they are responsible citizens, aware of the environmental impact of poorly managed waste, responsible for irreversible damage to our planet.
• It benefits the health of the villagers, improves the environment. The water creeks and streams in the area provide clean and healthy water for the use of the population of Santa Leticia.
• The village treasures clean public areas and streets. 
• The amount of waste in the rubbish dump decreases.
• Project beneficiaries have learnt to work as a team – tolerance, sharing of skills, patience, leadership and creativity.
• The activities have boosted communication and relationships, leading to a better knowing of each other and each family.

Extra comments : 

This project is part of a macro project, the Farm association of agriculture and livestock that started off in 2012 (Proyecto Asociativo Granja Agropecuaria). This macro project has been mainly driven by women.

People being served : People who are marginalised

Age group : Adults 26-60, Children 0-17, Seniors 61-99, Young people 18-25

Project status : Ongoing

Society presence : Colombia

Focus of the project : Planet

JPIC Imperative : Care for Our Common Home

UN Sustainable Development Goals : 11 Sustainable cities and communities, 13 Climate Action, 17 Partnerships for the Goals