In recent years, people have adopted many habits to protect the environment, and awareness has grown along the way.
Riding bikes around the city, keeping multiple bins at home to sort waste, saving energy and water, or cutting down on plastic use has become commonplace rather than exceptional.
In addition, the Generalitat Valenciana, through its waste consortium, partners with local authorities to emphasize the importance of recycling and home waste separation to support selective collection in public container networks. Together, communities can recycle more and better every day.
But if efforts are strong at home, why stop there? Extending good habits to schools, workplaces, sports centers, leisure hubs, mountains, and beaches matters. Whenever people are out walking, sorting garbage properly remains important. Place each item in the appropriate container, no matter how small it seems.
recycling containers
Keep using proper containers for all waste streams and for collection points or stationary and mobile ecoparks. When containers are not nearby on public streets, separate waste at the source and transport it to the closest designated locations.
If home sorting is under way, do not spoil the separation later.
recycling on the street
When you are out and about, look for the container closest to you for a small snack wrapper or bottle. Small waste matters just as much. Always place items in suitable containers, even if the containers appear dirty.
Prefer containers colored yellow, blue, and green for packaging rather than general trash cans on public paths, unless those bins are part of a city program for source separation. Seek out the special container islands set up by the municipality for each waste type.
schools
Schools are ideal places to teach source separation. Instructors guide students to recognize what goes into blue and yellow containers, focusing on lightweight packaging and paper or cardboard. Educational resources, brochures, presentations, and games can make recycling engaging and fun.
In collaboration with Ecoembes and other agencies, the Generalitat Valenciana runs an environmental education program, Recycling with 5 Senses. This program offers workshops to consortia and municipalities across the Community of Valencia, helping children become more mindful each day. Awareness-raising talks about The Recycling Challenge are also delivered at institutes.
recycling at work
Businesses can safeguard the environment by turning offices into Sustainable Business Centers that reduce packaging waste. For organizations seeking support, Ecoembes is a partner resource.
Here are practical tips for recycling in offices:
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Minimize paper use by printing only when needed and choosing recycled paper. Shredded paper can serve as packaging filler, reducing bubble wrap use.
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Encourage colleagues to use thermos flasks or reusable cups and to bring reusable water bottles to the office.
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Online meetings save travel energy. When travel is unavoidable, opt for electric vehicles powered by renewable energy and limit flights.
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Turn off lights when rooms are empty. In many workplaces, devices remain on overnight, increasing energy consumption.
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Incorporate natural elements like office plants. They boost well-being and contribute to cleaner indoor air.
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In workplaces with cafeterias, separate organic waste from other streams. Use local ingredients when possible to support local producers and sustainable menus.
mountain and beach
Whether in the mountains or on the shore, leaving no residue behind protects the landscape. Numerous environmental campaigns promote waste collection and recycling. For instance, the Recycling Challenge runs awareness programs at schools and communities, while CONSERMAR continues to visit busy Valencian beaches to encourage recycling and keep coastlines pristine.