CEST Ecological Brigade: A Commitment to Recycling and the Environment

At the Salesian Educational Centre in Talca, Chile, education is not limited to the classroom, but also extends to the formation of essential values such as environmental responsibility and solidarity. In this framework, the Ecological Brigade has established itself as an exemplary initiative, focused on promoting recycling and environmental protection within the educational community.

Made up of students from 1st to 6th grade, the Ecological Brigade is committed to caring for the environment and dedicates part of its weekly time to promoting responsible habits throughout the school community. Its main mission is to implement concrete actions to promote recycling, thus reducing the institution's environmental impact.

One of the brigade's most important tasks is the collection and sorting of recyclable materials, such as paper, cardboard and plastic. These waste materials are carefully deposited in recycling points strategically located throughout the school. In addition, the brigade's students are in charge of supervising the use of the eco-boxes, installed in each classroom, to ensure that recyclable waste is collected in an orderly and efficient manner.

Professor Carla Farías, head of the North Campus Environmental Committee, said that the Ecological Brigade also carries out information campaigns aimed at her classmates, where they educate about the importance of recycling and provide practical advice to reduce waste generation on a daily basis. “In this way, the brigade members not only act as collectors, but also as agents of change who promote a culture of care and respect for the environment within the school,” she added.

“Thanks to the effort and dedication of the brigade, CEST has managed to significantly reduce the non-recyclable waste generated at the school, actively contributing to protecting the environment,” said the teacher. However, there is still work to be done to strengthen an environmental culture among students and continue moving towards an increasingly sustainable school.

This work has also made it possible to establish alliances with external collection centers, such as the Municipality of Talca, ensuring that the recyclable materials collected are managed appropriately.

The commitment of the Ecological Brigade is a clear example of how education and collective action can generate a positive impact on the community and the environment, cultivating a generation that is more conscious and responsible with the planet.