Teresa Jaramillo (a Isabela Island resident) has been leading the “Manos Reciclando”, a collective of 20 women dedicated to proper solid waste management, for the past five year. Recycling Hands is aware of the negative impact that bad habits can have on the island’s environment. They seek ways to reduce, reuse, or dispose of waste generated locally.
Teresa points out that the collective was founded in 2017 and has worked to encourage a reduction in consumption habits. Collective members believe that small actions can help solve big problems and work together to protect the environment. First, the collective accepted that pollution due to waste accumulation is a reality on Isabela Island. There is no waste management system.
Manos Reciclando has found that the main problem is the lack of resources needed to establish a waste management system. Galapagos Conservancy has been a great supporter and trustor of Teresa’s collective. She stated that her goal was to raise awareness and educate the public about the impact of waste on biodiversity and how to contribute to responsible waste management.
The collective employs several strategies. One approach is to encourage local product purchases. Galapagos residents are dependent on products from mainland which, Teresa pointed out, exacerbates the problem of pollution. Local goods are cheaper to transport and less likely to end up as waste.
Manos Reciclando also uses a cleanup brigade on Isabela Island. A first cleanup was held on October 21st, in collaboration with the Municipal Government, local institutions, and the community. Nearly 500 pounds worth of garbage was collected. 49% of it was plastic, 23% glass, 13% mixed and 15% cardboard, metal and fabric. Teresa stated, “As consumers we are directly responsible to pollution. Therefore, we must take action, knowing that our actions directly impact on pollution.”
These efforts were supplemented by 130 students who attended Manos Reciclando workshops to learn how to make decorative and educational items out of recycled materials.
According to Dr. Jorge Carrion (Conservando Galapagos), managing our waste responsibly is our responsibility. My intention is to stress that every day actions such as reducing our consumption and separating waste positively impact the environment, and our well-being.
Galapagos Conservancy wishes Teresa Jaramillo, Recycling Hands and all those involved in environmental projects to promote environmental awareness within the community, a sincere congratulations.
