Author: Polzer

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

Less waste, more value! – Salão do automóvel

The Salão do automóvel in São Paulo represents the latest in motorsport and occurs every two years since 1960. Although many cars appear with sustainable resource-saving solutions, replacement of fossil fuels with sustainable energy sources such as electric, solar, and hydrogen, the event still does not care about the simple waste separation.

All waste are mixed in a single collector; food and beverage operators use a lot of disposable cups, plates and cutlery, and apparently none of this is valued, but we can change that by simply changing waste streams and procedures, bringing economic and environmental benefits. Let’s do it!

Did you know that a Swede generates around 420 kg of waste per year? The city of Borås in Sweden has created this totem to draw citizens’ attention to the amount generated and helps them reduce that generation and correctly allocate whatever is generated. Despite the great generation, the country is able to divert 99% of its waste for recycling, composting, biodigestion and energy recovery, less than 0.7% goes to landfills.

That Sweden is our inspiration, it is not impossible and this change begins with each one of us. Have you separated your waste today? And the organic, let’s compost?

Picture: POLZER, 2014.

Sorry, this entry is only available in Brazilian Portuguese.

This video demonstrates the operation of a waste-to-energy. It is a well didactic video where it is possible to follow step by step, from the waste arrival, the energy transformation and distribution in the public network.

CASACOR São Paulo 2017 was a success, we managed to divert more than 98% of solid waste generated during the assembly, exhibition and disassembly phases.

• The debris was sent to recyclers that transform the material into nonstructural aggregate;

• The plaster was sent to cement plants that use the plaster powder as an additive in the cement;
• The wood was transformed into chips for biomass generation and part donated to NGOs;
• Paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass and styrofoam were sent for recycling;
• The organic waste produced by the restaurants was transformed into fertilizer. We managed to treat 3,500 kilos of food waste and garden pruning through an equipment that uses enzymes to accelerate the process (partnership with the company Dar Vida);
• More than 30 tons of building materials such as floors, glass, mirrors, and woods were donated to NGOs.

Challenges and perspectives towards the integrated management of solid waste in Brazilian cities:
contributions from European case studies

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ABSTRACT

Currently, more than 1.3 billion tons of solid waste are produced every year around the world from households, hospitals, industries, among others. Most of this volume has as final destination places like dumps, groundwater, wasteland and other spaces that are not prepared to receive such material. Due to the large impact generated by the solid waste on the environment and public health, it is necessary to develop an integrated plan for solid waste management, which combined with other public policies can promote social, economic and environmental aspects of urban centers. Thus, the National Policy of Solid Waste, a regulatory milestone in Brazil, was important to clarify the role of each agent in solid waste management and also to determinate the definitive closure of dumps. Also, established the following hierarchy in solid waste management: waste reduction at source, reuse, recycling, energy recovery and then, landfill disposal. Therefore, significant changes in solid waste management will be needed in the coming years and this issue should be addressed with other public policies through an integrated and coordinated way, considering solutions in medium and long term. In Europe, Sweden along with, Denmark, Netherland, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, form a group of countries which allocate less than 1% of waste to landfills. Sweden was the country chosen to illustrate the engineering techniques in collection and proper disposal of solid waste because it has high rates of recycling, composting and energy recovery. Furthermore, its integrated solid waste management is part of a national program for sustainable development called SymbioCity, turning the Swedish cities research example, achieving results close to 100% in proper waste destination.

Keywords: Municipal solid waste management. Urban planning. Europe. Sweden.  SymbioCity.

POPULÄRVETENSKAPLIG SAMMANFATTNING

För närvarande genereras mer än 1,3 miljarder ton fast avfall i världen årligen från bland annat hushåll, sjukhus och industrier. Merparten av detta läggs i soptippar eller grundvatten eller hamnar på andra platser som inte är anpassade eller lämpade för att ta emot sådant material. På grund av den stora påverkan som fast avfall har på miljö och folkhälsa är det nödvändigt att ta fram en genomtänkt plan för avfallshantering, vilken tillsammans med andra offentliga riktlinjer kan ge en ökad livskvalitet för medborgarna genom att bättre ta hänsyn till sociala, ekonomiska och miljömässiga aspekter i städerna. National Policy of Solid Waste, en milstolpe för avfallsregleringen i Brasilien, har därför varit viktig för att tydliggöra varje aktörs roll i avfallshanteringen och för att identifiera vilka soptippar som behövde avslutas. Följande hierarki fastställdes även för avfallshantering: minskat avfall vid källan, återanvändning, materialåtervinning, energiåtervinning och sist deponering. För att få till lösningar på medellång och lång sikt måste stora förändringar vidtas i avfallshantering i Brasilien under de kommande åren. Avfallsfrågan behöver dessutom integreras och samordnas med andra offentliga mål och riktlinjer för uthållig samhällsutveckling. I Europa bildar Sverige tillsammans med Norge, Danmark, Nederländerna, Österrike, Tyskland och Schweiz en grupp av länder där mindre än 1 % av hushålls- och industriavfallet läggs på deponi. I denna studie har Sverige valts ut av länderna, på grund av dess höga grad av återvinning, kompostering och energiåtervinning, för att illustrera olika metoder som kan användas för att samla in och hantera avfall på ett effektivt sätt. Integrerad avfallshantering är dessutom en del av ett nationellt program för hållbar utveckling, SymbioCity, som tar tillvara svenska städers forskningserfarenher för att åstadkomma lämplig hantering av snart sagt allt hushålls- och industriavfall.

Nyckelord: Kommunal avfallshantering. Stadsplanering. Europa. Sverige. SymbioCity.

On this Thursday, August 25, Polzer Environmental Management will participate in the work shop – Sustainability Meetings – of Virada Sustentável together with Eccaplan / Sou Residuo Zero at FEA-USP. Already registered?

Our challenge:

“Knowing that a typical Brazilian generates around 382kg of waste per year, a European 500kg and an American 800kg, how to engage people to consume less, change their habits and thus avoid waste production, towards a zero waste lifestyle.

References:

Sou Resíduo Zero – http://souresiduozero.com.br
Zero Waste Europe – https://www.zerowasteeurope.eu
Zero Waste International Alliance – http://zwia.org
Zero Waste Home – http://www.zerowastehome.com
Trash is for tossers – http://www.trashisfortossers.com
The Rubbish Diet – http://www.therubbishdiet.org.uk

Videos:

You can live without producing trash – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYDQcBQUDpw&list=PLSMWu1sj0PPfweYqvefF4jdI8f9GtTboO&index=4
Why I live a zero waste life – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pF72px2R3Hg&index=5&list=PLSMWu1sj0PPfweYqvefF4jdI8f9GtTboO

Zero Waste Home – https://www.youtube.com/user/ZeroWasteHome

Woman Shares Her Zero Waste Lifestyle Experience – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-kAOP-uvnQ
Family of 7 Living Completely Off-Grid in Northern Canada – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8Pe_u_4q5M

Check out the video of CASACOR São Paulo 2016

Video Casa Cor

It was an honor to have participated in the Casacor Waste Management 2016

We managed to divert more than 80% of the waste that went to landfills to recycling and composting !!!

Read the mayor’s report and find out if your business or establishment is a great generator and fits under Decree 48251/2007.

Polzer Environmental Management is a company focused on reducing the waste generation at source and the diversion of waste generated for recycling and composting.

By reducing and treating the waste properly the customer saves with transportation and landfill rate.

We have partnerships with companies that collect and transport each type of waste. We offer a complete solid waste management solution for your business!

I was able to visit the Borås city in Sweden and check the optical waste separation system, 99% of the waste is harvested (organic and sewage for biogas production, recyclables go back to the industries and waste rejects energy, only 1% goes for landfills). Each has its responsibility for the system to function (government, society, private initiative).

We can do something similar here, just start separating our waste at source: recyclable, organic (for composting) and refuses (which can not recycle or compost). A typical Brazilian produces about 51% organic waste, 35% recyclables and 14% refuses. Therefore, only 14% of what we produce could be destined to landfills, the rest is not trash, but economic, social and environmental resources that we are wasting.

How can I help? Separating waste at home! Do your part so you can charge the government (separate collections and infrastructure) and private initiative (reverse logistics and recycling) the part of them !!!!

Check the article in the link:

Paper publication on sustainable urban development in the district of Hammarby Sjöstad in Stockholm, check out the link: Holos Environment.

ABSTRACT

Hammarby Sjöstad is a district located in the south of Stockholm. It is considered one of the most sustainable neighbourhoods in the world, serving as a model not only for the Swedish cities and the SymbioCity concept but also for all other urban centres. The neighbourhood was built in a port and industrial area and its construction was responsible for transforming and revitalizing not only the site of implantation but all its surroundings. The goal was to build a new neighbourhood whose environmental impact was 50% lower compared to the previous construction site. To this effect, efficient construction methods were used, considering less production of waste and the use and reuse of local materials. The neighbourhood also offers water and sewage treatment on site, pneumatic solid waste collection, and public transportation connected to the existing system, large green areas with urban equipment, sidewalks and bike paths integrating all spaces. The population’s quality of life and the respect for the environment were the key factors that allowed make the place a centre of excellence in the category of sustainability.
Keywords: Sustainable urban development. Hammarby Sjöstad. SymbioCity. Solid waste management.

The Jornal Nacional yesterday (03/11/2015) presented a subject on the pollution in the oceans. It is worth watching the video and the article in the link below:

Pesquisa descobre para onde lixo jogado nos oceanos é arrastado

I have been commenting on this subject since my master’s degree and would like to draw attention to the subject. Did you know that 80% of this waste originates from the continent? Only 20% comes from boats. Tons of waste produced daily in our cities reach the rivers and the rivers reach the oceans. From micro-waste, people do not give a damn about discarding on the floor, like bullet paper and cigarette butts, to trash bags that are simply dumped on vacant lots, sidewalks, or even directly into bodies of water.

The accumulated waste in the oceanic turns already exceed twice the territory of Brazil !! For every 1kg of plankton (“aquatic ecosystem food”) there are 6kg of marine waste, mostly plastic. In addition, seaweeds are responsible for the production of 55% of the oxygen released on the planet. Forests also produce oxygen but the vast majority is consumed right there, so we depend on the ocean to breathe!

The situation is dramatic but how can we help?
First, reduce your waste production and consumption! Avoid using plastic bags and disposable materials, such as plastic cups. Always carry your mug with you! I have a small metal mug that I leave in the bag, it is light and easy to carry. Take your ecobag also with you, so you can always refuse the plastic bags. Plan your meals and buy only the necessary, avoid wasting food. These and other actions will greatly reduce waste production.

If the residue has been produced, separate it for recycling or composting. In my house I divide into 3 fractions: recyclable, organic and tailings (material that can not be recycled or composted). By doing this separation you will be surprised by the reduction in the amount of tailings produced and that goes to the landfill. The challenge is to produce less waste, recycle and compost the rest and send as little as possible to landfills! If everyone does their part, we can do it! It’s not difficult, it’s like incorporating a new habit. After a few days it will be part of the routine, such as brushing teeth.

A few more tips: by separating waste for recycling, reducing material volume, kneading plastic bottles and keeping everything clean and dry, this will facilitate transportation and sorting. Cardboard boxes should also be disassembled. The more organized the waste is, the easier it will be to triage the waste collectors’ cooperative. So I still organize paper, metal, glass and plastic. Take your own packaging to organize your waste.

In relation to the organic you can destine them to a homemade compost or minhocário and later use the fertilizer in your pots or donate to the friends. The wormwood you can buy ready for use, with the worms that will speed up the composting process, in two months you will already have your fertilizer. Or you can opt for a homemade compost without earthworms. You can use plastic boxes or olive bottles or other plastic containers that you have at home, put some dry soil and alternate with organic matter, dry leaves and soil. Keep the organic material always covered so you will not have problems with insects!

If you need help or have any questions about recycling and composting contact me, I am at your disposal!

Verônica Polzer

Polzer Environmental Management gave an interview to Folha de São Paulo, check out the link below::

http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/cotidiano/2015/09/1684258-com-usinas-ociosas-gestao-haddad-fica-longe-da-meta-de-reciclagem.shtml

If you also have allergies, or want to save money or even help preserve the environment, here are the tips on how to make your own cleaning products:

You will basically need:
• Vinegar
• Lemon juice
• Sodium bicarbonate

These three ingredients have bactericidal, abrasive and acidic properties as efficient as industrialized products. You can use for general cleaning, mold removal, slime, stains and grease.

“Most common detergents are filled with pollutants like bleach, ammonia, alcohol, environmental destroyers. These types of chemical components are bad for house air quality, and may even contribute to respiratory problems. ”

RECIPES (Source: Mulher)

DEGREASER
Ingredients:
• 300 ml white vinegar
• Juice of a lemon
• One teaspoon of household detergent (see recipe below)
• Ten drops of lemon essential oil.

Mix all elements well and use a spray gun to apply the product.
Vinegar and lemon are able to remove fats because of their major components, acetic acid and citric acid, respectively. The high concentration of such substances in the solution enhances the degreasing action. The essential oil works as a flavoring.

HOUSEHOLD GLASS CLEANER
Ingredients:
• One liter of water
• Three tablespoons of white vinegar.
Simply mix the substances and use a spray to apply the solution on the surface to be cleaned.
The main component of vinegar is acetic acid, which has good capacity to remove fats without leaving residues, besides having disinfectant action

HOMEMADE DETERGENT
Ingredients:
• Two liters of water
• 250 grams of soap in neutral bar (grated)
• Two tablespoons of baking soda
• Two tablespoons of lemon juice
Heat the water, add the soap and stir until dissolved. After cooling add the baking soda and lime juice to the solution.
The citric acid mixture from lemon to bicarbonate forms sodium citrate which, in contact with water, raises the pH and potentiates the degreasing action of the soap.
Where to use? In dishwashing and cleaning surfaces (tiles and floors in the kitchen and bathroom, for example)

HOME DISINFECTANT
Ingredients:
• Two liters of water
• 250 ml of ethyl alcohol hydrate 70 ° INPM
• 125 grams of coconut soap (grated)
• 20 green leaves of eucalyptus
Leave the eucalyptus leaves to soak in the alcohol for three or four days. Wait for the time indicated and reserve the solution. In a pan, heat the water and add the soap, stirring until dissolved. To the already cold mixture, add the sauce alcohol (without the leaves) and incorporate well.
How do you act? The soap cleans itself, while alcohol and eucalyptus have disinfectant action. Where to use? In Bathroom Sanitization

MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER 1
Ingredients:
• 180 ml of water
• 90 ml white vinegar
• 90 ml homemade detergent (see recipe)
• Ten drops of an essential oil of your choice (lavender or eucalyptus, for example).
Mix all substances well and use a spray bottle to apply the solution to the surface to be cleaned.
Where to use? General cleaning of floors and tiles

MULTIPURPOSE CLEANER 2
Ingredients:
• One liter of water
• Four tablespoons baking soda
• One tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon.
Mix all substances thoroughly and use a spray bottle to apply the solution.
How do you act? The vinegar or lemon reacts with bicarbonate and forms, in addition to water and carbon dioxide, sodium acetate (in the case of vinegar) or sodium citrate (in the case of lemon). The combination of the acetate or citrate with the water promotes the pH of the solution, causing fats and other resistant dirt to be eliminated.
Where to use? In general cleaning of floors, tiles and other greasy surfaces (stove, sink or bathroom stall, for example)

MORE TIPS (Source: M de Mulher)

VINEGAR

“With high concentration of acetic acid, the liquid acts as a powerful disinfectant and degreaser. The best for cleaning are white (alcohol) and apple”

Antimold: remove that unpleasant odor from the cabinet by wiping it with a cloth soaked in the 3-quart hot water mixture with 1 or 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.

End of fat: put some pure vinegar on the fat of the stove, let it act for a minute and clean.

White grout: apply pure vinegar with a toothbrush in the tile grout. Wait at least two hours to rinse with water. The tip is also worth to clean that wall with marks of furniture or shoes.

Brightness in glasses and mirrors: dissolve 1 part vinegar in 4 hot water and wipe these surfaces. The glass is even more transparent!

New carpets and rugs: to clean these pieces, apply a mixture with the same amount of white vinegar and water.

Softener: replace the conventional product with 1/2 cup of vinegar in the last rinse of the laundry.

SODIUM BICARBONATE:

Based on carbon dioxide and sodium hydroxide, bicarbonate is bactericidal and an excellent alternative to abrasive cleaners. Use it, always with gloves, in cleaning the kitchen and to avoid unpleasant odors.

Bright oven: Soak a soft cloth in a mixture of 1/2 liter hot water and 3 tablespoons baking soda. Apply throughout the oven and after one hour remove it with a damp cloth.

Uncorked drains: Mix well 1 cup of salt, 1 baking soda and 1 liter of hot water. Throw in the drain.

Smell-free carpet: To eliminate strong odor caused by pets or lack of ventilation in the environment, spray baking soda on the carpet using a large sieve. Leave on for ten minutes and aspirate. Do not use a broom to prevent the carpet from turning white.

Clean refrigerator: always after cleaning the refrigerator and freezer, wipe a damp cloth with baking soda inside to disinfect the place.

LEMON JUICE

The citric acid in the fruit helps to dissolve the slime and even rust spots.

Non-greasy: dilute 1/4 cup (tea) lemon juice in water and apply to the piece with a soft cloth.

Anti-rust: Remove this type of stain from cutlery, grills and stove by rubbing the surface with lemon juice and a sponge.

HOMEMADE MULTIUSE

“In a vial of apple cider vinegar, add 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1 cup of juá rasp extract (typical Northeastern tree, also known as juazeiro), for sale in health food stores. The solution is valid for up to six months if it is kept tightly closed and in the shade.”

Sources researched:
http://mdemulher.abril.com.br/…/use-solucoes-naturais-na-li…
http://umavidaverde.com/…/limpeza-ecologica-com-ingrediente…
http://mulher.uol.com.br/…/faca-produtos-de-limpeza-naturai…

My last lecture on the environmental cycle will be about:

European legislation and economic instruments in waste management

I will address the European scenario in waste management and comment on what the lead countries are doing to promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in the waste sector, reduce waste production and increase the rate of recycling and organic treatment of organic waste : Germany, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and others!

Local:
Senac Santa Cecília – Alameda Barros, 910 – Santa Cecilia
Free entrance
Day: 01/10/2015 (Thursday)
Hours: 19h às 22h

I invite everyone to my next lecture:

Cycle of Lectures – Environment
9/9/2015 – 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Speaker: Verônica Polzer
Venue: Senac Auditorium Santa Cecilia

Analysis of environmental and economic impacts – comparison between landfills and incinerators with energy generation (WtE)

Senac Santa Cecilia promotes in the second half of 2015 a series of lectures that address the issues related to the environment and the certifications required to operate in the area.

To subscribe, contact by phone (11) 2178.0200 or send an email to santacecilia@sp.senac.br. Limited vacancies.