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It is no news that waste generation is on the increase, making it more problematic for governments to manage. In the global south, the informal recycling sector has become notable for its contributions to municipal waste management through resource recovery, as shown by the current body of research. However, due to the seemingly well-organised waste management system, the existence and roles of this sector in municipal solid waste management in the global north are largely under-documented. Using a community-based research methodology and applying mixed methods, we examined the roles of the informal recycling sector in municipal waste management in Vancouver, British Columbia as well as their level of participation in decision-making. Results demonstrate that the sector enhances waste diversion and recovery efforts and works in collaboration with the city government as well as other stakeholders. The study also shows that informal recyclers (locally called binners) participate in some level of decision-making processes such as the Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy; however, their participation in other key waste management decisions including the City’s Recycling Bylaw remains challenging, which significantly impacts their day-to-day survival. We, therefore, highlight the need for a transformative participatory policy/decision-making process to promote more harmonious and inclusive municipal waste management.
Dare Sholanke; Jutta Gutberlet. Call for participatory waste governance: waste management with informal recyclers in Vancouver. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning 2021, 1 -15.
AMA StyleDare Sholanke, Jutta Gutberlet. Call for participatory waste governance: waste management with informal recyclers in Vancouver. Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning. 2021; ():1-15.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDare Sholanke; Jutta Gutberlet. 2021. "Call for participatory waste governance: waste management with informal recyclers in Vancouver." Journal of Environmental Policy & Planning , no. : 1-15.
In this article, we explore elements that highlight the interdependent nature of demands for knowledge production and decision-making related to the appearance of emerging diseases. To this end, we refer to scientific production and current contextual evidence to verify situations mainly related to the Brazilian Amazon, which suffers systematic disturbances and is characterized as a possible source of pathogenic microorganisms. With the acceleration of the Anthropocene's environmental changes, socio-ecological instabilities and the possibility of the emergence of infectious diseases merge into a background of a ´twin insurgency´. Furthermore, there is a tendency to impose economic hegemony in the current Brazilian context, corroborating discourses and pressures to a scientific simplification and denial. With this, we assert that developmental sectoral actions and monoculture of knowledge characterize an agenda of omission, that is, a process of decision making that indirectly reinforces ecological degradation and carelessness in the face of the possibility of the emergence and spreading of new diseases, such as COVID-19. Tackling the socio-ecological complexity inherent in the risk of the emergence of infectious diseases requires robust co-construction of scientific knowledge, eco-social approaches, and corresponding governance and sophisticated decision-making arrangements.
Leandro Luiz Giatti; Ricardo Agum Ribeiro; Alessandra Ferreira Dales Nava; Jutta Gutberlet. Emerging complexities and rising omission: Contrasts among socio-ecological contexts of infectious diseases, research and policy in Brazil. Genetics and Molecular Biology 2021, 44, e20200229 .
AMA StyleLeandro Luiz Giatti, Ricardo Agum Ribeiro, Alessandra Ferreira Dales Nava, Jutta Gutberlet. Emerging complexities and rising omission: Contrasts among socio-ecological contexts of infectious diseases, research and policy in Brazil. Genetics and Molecular Biology. 2021; 44 (1 suppl 1):e20200229.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLeandro Luiz Giatti; Ricardo Agum Ribeiro; Alessandra Ferreira Dales Nava; Jutta Gutberlet. 2021. "Emerging complexities and rising omission: Contrasts among socio-ecological contexts of infectious diseases, research and policy in Brazil." Genetics and Molecular Biology 44, no. 1 suppl 1: e20200229.
Este artigo problematiza a relação da extensão universitária dialógica e emancipatória com as metodologias participativas, no contexto atual do ensino superior público, a partir da análise de três ações extensionistas, realizadas na Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), Câmpus de Araguaína. Esta pesquisa ancora-se, metodologicamente, na análise qualitativa, com triangulação de pesquisa documental, entrevistas com docentes e relatório do Sistema de Informação e Gestão de Projetos (SIGProj). Tais ações evidenciaram caminhos para a materialização da comunicação entre universidade pública e sociedade que, comprometida com a inclusão social pela educação, poderá promover a (co)produção, o compartilhamento, a comunicação, as trocas e a integração de culturas na sociedade. As experiências extensionistas analisadas demonstraram que a universidade poderá ampliar a construção de conhecimentos socialmente relevantes e de transformação social pela ação, a partir da aprendizagem colaborativa entre agentes da Comissão Pastoral da Terra (CPT), acadêmicos, camponeses do Quilombo Grotão, docentes da universidade, grafiteiros, servidores técnico-administrativos estudantes da Educação Básica, professores das escolas rurais e de pequenas cidades, moradores de povoados e de comunidades rurais. Conclui-se que, apesar dos desafios atuais da universidade pública, algumas estratégias desenvolvidas demonstraram possibilidades de diálogos socioculturais, fortalecidos pela participação daqueles que estão fora da academia, reconhecidos como importantes coprodutores no processo de construção de saberes.Palavras-chave: Extensão universitária. Metodologias participativas. Educação emancipatória.UNIVERSITY OUTREACH WORK: space for communication and social transformationAbstractThis article problematizes the relationship between dialogical and emancipatory university outreach work applying participatory methodologies, in the current context of public higher education, based on the analysis of three outreach actions, carried out at the Federal University of Tocantins, Araguaína campus. This research is methodologically anchored in qualitative analysis with triangulation of documentary analysis, interviews with professors and the analysis of the Information and Project Management System reports. Such actions evidenced pathways for concrete communication between public universities and society, committed to social inclusion through education that promotes (co-)production, sharing, communication, exchanges and cultural integration in society. The outreach experiences analyzed showed that the university will be able to expand the construction of socially relevant knowledge and social transformation through actions based on collaborative learning among agents involving members from the Pastoral Land Commission (CPT), academics, peasants from the Quilombo Grotão community, graffiti artists, technical-administrative servants, students enrolled in basic education, teachers from rural schools and small towns, as well as residents from villages and rural communities. We conclude that, despite the current challenges of the public university, some strategies developed in te case studies demonstrated possibilities for socio-cultural dialogue, strengthened by the participation of those who are outside the academy and are recognized as important co-producers in the process of building knowledge.Keywords: University outreach work. Participatory methodologies. Emancipatory education.EXTENSIÓN UNIVERSITARIA: espacio de comunicación y transformación socialResumen Este artículo problematiza la relación entre la extensión universitaria dialógica y emancipadora con metodologías participativas, en el contexto actual de la educación superior pública, basada en el análisis de tres acciones de extensión, realizadas en la Universidad Federal de Tocantins, Câmpus de Araguaína. Esta investigación está anclada, metodológicamente, en análisis cualitativo, con triangulación de investigación documental, entrevistas con profesores e informes del Sistema de Información y Gestión de Proyectos. Dichas acciones evidenciaron caminos para la materialización de la comunicación entre las universidades públicas y la sociedad que, comprometidos con la inclusión social a través de la educación, pueden promover (co) producción, intercambio, comunicación, intercambios e integración de las culturas en la sociedad. Las experiencias de extensión analizadas mostraron que la universidad podrá expandir la construcción de conocimiento socialmente relevante y la transformación social a través de la acción, basada en el aprendizaje colaborativo entre agentes de la Comisión de Tierras Pastorales, académicos, campesinos de Quilombo Grotão, profesores universitarios, artistas de graffiti, servidores técnicos-administrativos, estudiantes de educación básica, maestros de escuelas rurales y pequeñas ciudades, residentes de aldeas y comunidades rurales. Se concluye que, a pesar de los desafíos actuales de la universidad pública, algunas estrategias desarrolladas demostraron posibilidades de diálogos socioculturales, fortalecidos por la participación de aquellos que están fuera de la...
Ianed da Luz Sousa; Rosária Helena Ruiz Nakashima; Jutta Gutberle. A EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA: espaço de comunicação e de transformação social. Cadernos de Pesquisa 2020, 27, 372 -395.
AMA StyleIaned da Luz Sousa, Rosária Helena Ruiz Nakashima, Jutta Gutberle. A EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA: espaço de comunicação e de transformação social. Cadernos de Pesquisa. 2020; 27 (4):372-395.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIaned da Luz Sousa; Rosária Helena Ruiz Nakashima; Jutta Gutberle. 2020. "A EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA: espaço de comunicação e de transformação social." Cadernos de Pesquisa 27, no. 4: 372-395.
Waste governance is emerging as transdisciplinary and inter-sectoral approach to waste management and policy, overcoming primarily prescriptive engineering perspectives of waste. The process of governing waste involves the articulation of different structures, institutions, policies, practices and actors. Paying attention to issues of power, scale, and equity are important in the search for more democratic practices. Innovative forms of governance are emerging as decentralized, participatory and inclusive, focused on waste reduction and resource recovery. Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) is an innovative alternative in generating work and income and a response in favor of social and labor inclusion. It can also be considered as a new, more humane and inclusive development model. With this article we aim to provide practical knowledge on the contributions of grassroots organizations and networks in waste management, supporting the discussion of waste governance in the context of the SSE. We present different experiences of waste picker organizations in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil to showcase their assets and to discuss prevailing challenges. Employing the SSE as a new development model allows us to address everyday issues of waste generation, management and governance in Brazilian cities and in other parts of the world; particularly from the perspective of organized waste pickers in associations, cooperatives and networks. This is a development paradigm which goes beyond just economic considerations, as highlighted with examples from waste management.
Jutta Gutberlet; Gina Rizpah Besen; Leandro Morais. Participatory solid waste governance and the role of social and solidarity economy: experiences from São Paulo, Brazil. Detritus 2020, 167 -180.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Gina Rizpah Besen, Leandro Morais. Participatory solid waste governance and the role of social and solidarity economy: experiences from São Paulo, Brazil. Detritus. 2020; (13):167-180.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Gina Rizpah Besen; Leandro Morais. 2020. "Participatory solid waste governance and the role of social and solidarity economy: experiences from São Paulo, Brazil." Detritus , no. 13: 167-180.
Jutta Gutberlet; Sebastián Carenzo. Waste Pickers at the Heart of the Circular Economy: A Perspective of Inclusive Recycling from the Global South. Worldwide Waste: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 2020, 3, 1 .
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Sebastián Carenzo. Waste Pickers at the Heart of the Circular Economy: A Perspective of Inclusive Recycling from the Global South. Worldwide Waste: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies. 2020; 3 (1):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Sebastián Carenzo. 2020. "Waste Pickers at the Heart of the Circular Economy: A Perspective of Inclusive Recycling from the Global South." Worldwide Waste: Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies 3, no. 1: 1.
Worldwide waste pickers work under deplorable conditions and are not recognized for their environmental and community services, by recovering and diverting recyclable materials from waste. Brazil has accumulated experiences of international relevance, particularly between 2004 and 2015, due to institutional and policy support for the Social and Solidarity Economy and the creation of a National Waste Pickers’ movement. These conditions have favored the formation of new recycling cooperatives throughout the country. While there is still a wide spectrum of differences among these membership-based organizations, they also have many characteristics in common and share similar values and objectives. This research aims to demonstrate that when organized and supported by public policies and inclusive governance these groups are able to tackle several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article presents results of a case study, conducted over the period of 5 months in 2018, involving 21 waste picker cooperatives in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. Data collection included the application of a questionnaire to the leaders of the 21 cooperatives and site visits to their facilities, including informal conversations with members. Data was collected at the cooperatives and involved note taking and voice recording. The data was transcribed and tabled for the subsequent content analysis. The results demonstrate the impacts of the work of organized waste pickers on SDGs (goals # 1, 5, 8, 11 and 12). The study shows how these groups address social, economic and environmental targets, how they build resilience and reduce vulnerabilities. Many cooperatives still operate under precarious conditions, suffering from weak government commitments and neglect or from the volatility of the economy. Public policies and participation in governance are instrumental in acknowledging waste picker organizations and remunerating their services to thus unlock their full potential to further the progress on the implementation of SDGs. Political will is paramount for waste pickers to become the champions in the transition to more sustainable development.
Jutta Gutberlet. Grassroots waste picker organizations addressing the UN sustainable development goals. World Development 2020, 138, 105195 .
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet. Grassroots waste picker organizations addressing the UN sustainable development goals. World Development. 2020; 138 ():105195.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet. 2020. "Grassroots waste picker organizations addressing the UN sustainable development goals." World Development 138, no. : 105195.
In this issue of One Earth, Tucker and Anantharaman discuss how the integration (not necessarily formalization) of the informal sector addresses poverty and exclusion better than capitalist alternatives. It is crucial that we recognize the essential role of the informal sector, particularly waste pickers, in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Jutta Gutberlet. Transforming Cities Globally: Essential Public and Environmental Health Services Provided by Informal Sector Workers. One Earth 2020, 3, 287 -289.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet. Transforming Cities Globally: Essential Public and Environmental Health Services Provided by Informal Sector Workers. One Earth. 2020; 3 (3):287-289.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet. 2020. "Transforming Cities Globally: Essential Public and Environmental Health Services Provided by Informal Sector Workers." One Earth 3, no. 3: 287-289.
Plastic pollution is a pervasive and growing problem. To estimate the effectiveness of interventions to reduce plastic pollution, we modeled stocks and flows of municipal solid waste and four sources of microplastics through the global plastic system for five scenarios between 2016 and 2040. Implementing all feasible interventions reduced plastic pollution by 40% from 2016 rates and 78% relative to ‘business as usual’ in 2040. Even with immediate and concerted action, 710 million metric tons of plastic waste cumulatively entered aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. To avoid a massive build-up of plastic in the environment, coordinated global action is urgently needed to reduce plastic consumption, increase rates of reuse, waste collection and recycling, expand safe disposal systems and accelerate innovation in the plastic value chain.
Winnie W. Y. Lau; Yonathan Shiran; Richard M. Bailey; Ed Cook; Martin R. Stuchtey; Julia Koskella; Costas A. Velis; Linda Godfrey; Julien Boucher; Margaret B. Murphy; Richard C. Thompson; Emilia Jankowska; Arturo Castillo Castillo; Toby D. Pilditch; Ben Dixon; Laura Koerselman; Edward Kosior; Enzo Favoino; Jutta Gutberlet; Sarah Baulch; Meera E. Atreya; David Fischer; Kevin K. He; Milan M. Petit; U. Rashid Sumaila; Emily Neil; Mark V. Bernhofen; Keith Lawrence; James E. Palardy. Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science 2020, 369, eaba9475 .
AMA StyleWinnie W. Y. Lau, Yonathan Shiran, Richard M. Bailey, Ed Cook, Martin R. Stuchtey, Julia Koskella, Costas A. Velis, Linda Godfrey, Julien Boucher, Margaret B. Murphy, Richard C. Thompson, Emilia Jankowska, Arturo Castillo Castillo, Toby D. Pilditch, Ben Dixon, Laura Koerselman, Edward Kosior, Enzo Favoino, Jutta Gutberlet, Sarah Baulch, Meera E. Atreya, David Fischer, Kevin K. He, Milan M. Petit, U. Rashid Sumaila, Emily Neil, Mark V. Bernhofen, Keith Lawrence, James E. Palardy. Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution. Science. 2020; 369 (6510):eaba9475.
Chicago/Turabian StyleWinnie W. Y. Lau; Yonathan Shiran; Richard M. Bailey; Ed Cook; Martin R. Stuchtey; Julia Koskella; Costas A. Velis; Linda Godfrey; Julien Boucher; Margaret B. Murphy; Richard C. Thompson; Emilia Jankowska; Arturo Castillo Castillo; Toby D. Pilditch; Ben Dixon; Laura Koerselman; Edward Kosior; Enzo Favoino; Jutta Gutberlet; Sarah Baulch; Meera E. Atreya; David Fischer; Kevin K. He; Milan M. Petit; U. Rashid Sumaila; Emily Neil; Mark V. Bernhofen; Keith Lawrence; James E. Palardy. 2020. "Evaluating scenarios toward zero plastic pollution." Science 369, no. 6510: eaba9475.
Waste is a valuable commodity and remains a livelihood source for waste pickers in the global South. Waste to Energy (WtoE) is often described as alternative to landfilling, as it provides cheap fuel while making waste disappear. In some European cities, this method has evolved into an impediment, slowing down the adoption of more sustainable technologies and waste prevention. These plants typically strain municipal budgets and provide fewer jobs than recycling and composting, thereby inhibiting the development of small-scale local recycling businesses. We applied the idea of ‘waste regime’ with an interdisciplinary and situated lens to provide insights to the following questions: How do different political developments in Brazil and Sweden, frame and reframe waste incineration and energy recovery, in the context of sustainability and waste management on local, regional and national levels? What forms of resistance against WtoE exist and what are the arguments of these protagonists? We evaluated the impact of WtoE and compare it with other waste management options with regard to CO2 balances and general environmental and social impacts. We conclude by suggesting more socially and environmentally appropriate ways of waste management, particularly for the context of global South cities.
Jutta Gutberlet; Torleif Bramryd; Michael Johansson. Expansion of the Waste-Based Commodity Frontier: Insights from Sweden and Brazil. Sustainability 2020, 12, 2628 .
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Torleif Bramryd, Michael Johansson. Expansion of the Waste-Based Commodity Frontier: Insights from Sweden and Brazil. Sustainability. 2020; 12 (7):2628.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Torleif Bramryd; Michael Johansson. 2020. "Expansion of the Waste-Based Commodity Frontier: Insights from Sweden and Brazil." Sustainability 12, no. 7: 2628.
The use of closed-loop sanitation systems (CLSS), or reuse-oriented sanitation systems, has increased in recent years, and such systems have been successfully implemented in many parts of the world. However, no research has explored Traditional CLSS (T-CLSS) for a long-term humanitarian situation. This study explores the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of T-CLSS in peri-urban and rural contexts in three different provinces in Afghanistan (the first study of its kind in Afghanistan). Participatory research tools, such as transect walks, focus group discussions, smart community gatherings and interactive workshops, were applied to assess the SWOT associated with T-CLSS. The results indicate that T-CLSS has been practiced historically in both peri-urban and rural areas using local and traditional knowledge, skills and technologies. The socio-cultural acceptance of the system in both rural and peri-urban areas is an important strength of this established system. However, due to chronic development challenges in the study regions, T-CLSS may possibly lead to exposure to microbial contaminants. It is recommended that the feasibility of an improved CLSS be assessed and implemented in light of the issues that are inherent in the use of T-CLSS in Afghanistan.
Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin; Jean Lapegue; Jutta Gutberlet; Jan Franklin Adamowski; Caetano C. Dorea; Federico Sorezo. A Traditional Closed-Loop Sanitation System in a Chronic Emergency: A Qualitative Study from Afghanistan. Water 2019, 11, 298 .
AMA StyleSayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Jean Lapegue, Jutta Gutberlet, Jan Franklin Adamowski, Caetano C. Dorea, Federico Sorezo. A Traditional Closed-Loop Sanitation System in a Chronic Emergency: A Qualitative Study from Afghanistan. Water. 2019; 11 (2):298.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin; Jean Lapegue; Jutta Gutberlet; Jan Franklin Adamowski; Caetano C. Dorea; Federico Sorezo. 2019. "A Traditional Closed-Loop Sanitation System in a Chronic Emergency: A Qualitative Study from Afghanistan." Water 11, no. 2: 298.
Informal recycling has emerged as livelihood strategy and poverty alleviation in the absence of an official recycling system. Millions of informal recyclers (or waste pickers) are not recognized by the government and little has been done to improve their livelihoods and health status; Mongolia is not the exception. Today there is very little information on the assets and vulnerabilities of informal recyclers in Mongolia. This research seeks to fill this gap. We apply a rapid livelihood assessment using a mixed methods approach (structured questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Beyond assessing the social, economic and environmental situation of local informal recyclers, the research seeks to also provide some recommendations for improving their lives. The results have shown that the majority of this population in Mongolia is challenged by several factors such as homelessness, extreme cold weather and no official identity document (ID card). Unemployment and lack of external support for recycling activities, social isolation, discrimination and alcohol addiction are additional frequent predicaments of this population. Two-thirds of the informal recyclers experience various occupational health hazards including stomach diseases, skin diseases, kidney and liver problems, back pain, cuts, burns, and fractured bones. We recommend that public policies address the livelihood issues of these informal recyclers and further stimulate their organization, maybe into recycling groups, associations or co-operatives, for the purpose of collective empowerment. This can have positive spin-offs to reduce occupational health hazards and to conduct the work more effectively, ultimately benefiting the city environment.
Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin; Jutta Gutberlet. Livelihoods and health status of informal recyclers in Mongolia. Resources, Conservation and Recycling 2018, 134, 1 -9.
AMA StyleSayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin, Jutta Gutberlet. Livelihoods and health status of informal recyclers in Mongolia. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 2018; 134 ():1-9.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin; Jutta Gutberlet. 2018. "Livelihoods and health status of informal recyclers in Mongolia." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 134, no. : 1-9.
Household waste has evolved into a core urban challenge, with increased quantities of waste being generated and with more complex material compositions, often containing toxic and hazardous elements. Critical systems theory understands cities as urban metabolisms, with different material and energy flows, highlighting the circularity in production, consumption, and discard. Waste pickers in low- and medium-income countries work on dumps and landfills, sifting through highly contaminated household waste and are exposed to health hazards. This paper discusses the risk factors, hazards, and vulnerabilities waste pickers are exposed to during collection and separation of recyclables, based on the review of literature on waste and environmental health and on findings from participatory research with waste pickers conducted in Brazil. We take a social and environmental justice perspective and identify the vulnerabilities and waste-borne hazards of household waste, associated with these workers, their communities, watersheds, and the environment. Household waste, although not always per se toxic or hazardous, can become a hazard if not collected or inadequately managed. Those communities where household waste is not collected or waste collection is insufficient are the most critical places. Informal and organized waste pickers, municipal or private waste collectors/workers, small waste traders and sometimes residents, particularly small children, may be considered vulnerable if exposed to waste-borne hazards. The results include recommendations to address household waste-borne hazards and vulnerabilities, according to waste workers involved in this research.
Jutta Gutberlet; Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin. Household waste and health risks affecting waste pickers and the environment in low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 2017, 23, 299 -310.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin. Household waste and health risks affecting waste pickers and the environment in low- and middle-income countries. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health. 2017; 23 (4):299-310.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Sayed Mohammad Nazim Uddin. 2017. "Household waste and health risks affecting waste pickers and the environment in low- and middle-income countries." International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 23, no. 4: 299-310.
The discussion on the circular economy (CE) has attracted a rising interest within global policy and business as a way of increasing the sustainability of production and consumption. Yet the literature mostly portrays a Global North perspective. There is a diverse spectrum of community-based organizations playing important roles in resource recovery and transformation, particularly, but not only, in Global South countries, providing innovative examples for grassroots involvement in waste management and in the CE. This article proposes to add a Southern lens, situated in the context of waste picker organizations, to the concept of CE. The discursive framework in this article couples ecological economy (EE) with social/solidarity economy (SSE), focusing not only on environmental sustainability but also on social, economic, political and cultural dimensions involved in production, consumption and discard. We acknowledge that grassroots movements contribute to policy making and improve urban waste management systems. The paper outlines two empirical studies (Argentina, Brazil) that illustrate how waste picker organizations perform selective waste collection services, engage with municipalities and industries, and practice the CE. The research reveals that social and political facets need to be added to the debate about the CE, linking environmental management and policy with community development and recognizing waste pickers as protagonists in the CE. Our findings emphasize a need for a change of persisting inequalities in public policy by recognizing the importance of popular waste management praxis and knowledge, ultimately redefining the CE.
Jutta Gutberlet; Sebastián Carenzo; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Adalberto Mantovani Martiniano De Azevedo. Waste Picker Organizations and Their Contribution to the Circular Economy: Two Case Studies from a Global South Perspective. Resources 2017, 6, 52 .
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Sebastián Carenzo, Jaan-Henrik Kain, Adalberto Mantovani Martiniano De Azevedo. Waste Picker Organizations and Their Contribution to the Circular Economy: Two Case Studies from a Global South Perspective. Resources. 2017; 6 (4):52.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Sebastián Carenzo; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Adalberto Mantovani Martiniano De Azevedo. 2017. "Waste Picker Organizations and Their Contribution to the Circular Economy: Two Case Studies from a Global South Perspective." Resources 6, no. 4: 52.
Many cities in the global South suffer from vast inadequacies and deficiencies in their solid waste management. In the city of Kisumu in Kenya, waste management is fragmented and insufficient with most household waste remaining uncollected. Solid waste enters and leaves public space through an intricate web of connected, mostly informal, actions. This article scrutinizes waste management of informal settlements, based on the case of Kisumu, to identify weak links in waste management chains and find neighborhood responses to bridge these gaps. Systems theory and action net theory support our analysis to understand the actions, actors, and processes associated with waste and its management. We use qualitative data from fieldwork and hands on engagement in waste management in Kisumu. Our main conclusion is that new waste initiatives should build on existing waste management practices already being performed within informal settlements by waste scavengers, waste pickers, waste entrepreneurs, and community-based organizations.
Jutta Gutberlet; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Belinda Nyakinya; Michael Oloko; Patrik Zapata; María José Zapata Campos. Bridging Weak Links of Solid Waste Management in Informal Settlements. The Journal of Environment & Development 2016, 26, 106 -131.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Jaan-Henrik Kain, Belinda Nyakinya, Michael Oloko, Patrik Zapata, María José Zapata Campos. Bridging Weak Links of Solid Waste Management in Informal Settlements. The Journal of Environment & Development. 2016; 26 (1):106-131.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Belinda Nyakinya; Michael Oloko; Patrik Zapata; María José Zapata Campos. 2016. "Bridging Weak Links of Solid Waste Management in Informal Settlements." The Journal of Environment & Development 26, no. 1: 106-131.
This paper contributes to the understanding of processes by which small-scale entrepreneurs who provide household waste collection in informal settlements succeed in formalized co-production of such services. The paper draws on the social and solidarity economy and social and environmental entrepreneurship theoretical frameworks, which offer complementary understandings of diverse strategies to tackle everyday challenges. Two questions are addressed: How do informal waste collection initiatives get established, succeed and grow? What are the implications of this transition for the entrepreneurs themselves, the communities, the environmental governance system and the scholarship? A case study is presented, based on three waste picker entrepreneurs in Kisumu, Kenya, who have consolidated and expanded their operations in informal settlements but also extended social and environmental activities into formal settlements. The paper demonstrates how initiatives, born as community-based organizations, become successful social micro-enterprises, driven by a desire to address socio-environmental challenges in their neighbourhoods.
Jutta Gutberlet; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Belinda Nyakinya; Dickens H Ochieng; Nicholas Odhiambo; Michael Oloko; John Omolo; Elvis Omondi; Silas Otieno; Patrik Zapata; María José Zapata Campos. Socio-environmental entrepreneurship and the provision of critical services in informal settlements. Environment and Urbanization 2016, 28, 205 -222.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Jaan-Henrik Kain, Belinda Nyakinya, Dickens H Ochieng, Nicholas Odhiambo, Michael Oloko, John Omolo, Elvis Omondi, Silas Otieno, Patrik Zapata, María José Zapata Campos. Socio-environmental entrepreneurship and the provision of critical services in informal settlements. Environment and Urbanization. 2016; 28 (1):205-222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Jaan-Henrik Kain; Belinda Nyakinya; Dickens H Ochieng; Nicholas Odhiambo; Michael Oloko; John Omolo; Elvis Omondi; Silas Otieno; Patrik Zapata; María José Zapata Campos. 2016. "Socio-environmental entrepreneurship and the provision of critical services in informal settlements." Environment and Urbanization 28, no. 1: 205-222.
Solid waste is a major urban challenge worldwide and reclaiming the resources embedded in waste streams, involving organized recyclers, is a smart response to it. Informal and organized recyclers, mostly in the global south, already act as important urban miners in resource recovery. The paper describes the complex operations of recycling cooperatives and draws attention to their economic, environmental, and social contributions. A detailed discussion based on empirical data from the recycling network COOPCENT-ABC in metropolitan São Paulo, Brazil, contextualizes this form of urban mining. The analysis is situated within Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) and Ecological Economy (EE) theory. Current challenges related to planning, public policy, and the implementation of cooperative recycling are analysed on the level of individual recyclers, cooperatives, municipalities and internationally. There are still many hurdles for the informal, organized recycling sector to become recognized as a key player in efficient material separation and to up-scale these activities for an effective contribution to the SSE and EE. Policies need to be in place to guarantee fair and safe work relations. There is a win–win situation where communities and the environment will benefit from organized urban mining.
J. Gutberlet. Cooperative urban mining in Brazil: Collective practices in selective household waste collection and recycling. Waste Management 2015, 45, 22 -31.
AMA StyleJ. Gutberlet. Cooperative urban mining in Brazil: Collective practices in selective household waste collection and recycling. Waste Management. 2015; 45 ():22-31.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. Gutberlet. 2015. "Cooperative urban mining in Brazil: Collective practices in selective household waste collection and recycling." Waste Management 45, no. : 22-31.
Although informal waste collectors are sometimes organized in cooperatives, their working conditions remain extremely precarious and unsafe. The paper discusses the findings of action oriented, participatory qualitative research with several recycling groups in the metropolitan region of São Paulo, Brazil. During workshops with the recyclers mapping, acting, and drawing methods helped reveal health hazards from collection, separation and transportation of recyclable materials. Major health problems relate to chemical and biological hazards, musculoskeletal damage, mechanical trauma and poor emotional wellbeing. The recent federal legislation on solid waste management opens new avenues for the inclusion of recycling cooperatives in selective waste collection. Nevertheless, we express the need to consider the distinctive characteristics and vulnerabilities of recycling groups, when developing safer work environments in these social businesses. We also suggest that the workspace be ergonomically organized and that public awareness campaigns about selective waste collection are conducted regularly to increase the quality of source separation. The introduction of electric hand pushed carts can further reduce health strains. This research has produced a better understanding of the work of the recyclers and related health risks. The interactive qualitative research methodology has allowed for the co-creation and mobilization of specific knowledge on health and safety in recycling cooperatives.
Jutta Gutberlet; Angela M. Baeder; Nídia N. Pontuschka; Sonia M. N. Felipone; Tereza L. F. Dos Santos. Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 2013, 10, 4607 -4627.
AMA StyleJutta Gutberlet, Angela M. Baeder, Nídia N. Pontuschka, Sonia M. N. Felipone, Tereza L. F. Dos Santos. Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2013; 10 (10):4607-4627.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJutta Gutberlet; Angela M. Baeder; Nídia N. Pontuschka; Sonia M. N. Felipone; Tereza L. F. Dos Santos. 2013. "Participatory Research Revealing the Work and Occupational Health Hazards of Cooperative Recyclers in Brazil." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 10, no. 10: 4607-4627.