Abstract:The European circular economy action plan, launched in 2015 includes a group of measures aligned with the 3r principles. To meet recycling goals, valuable materials such as aluminium must have packaging that helps to increase their recycling rate above the current 45.6%. This recycling rate could be improved with the help of current consumers and the education of future generations. In this way, the aim of this study is to prove the positive effects of childhood education in the circular economy by teaching sustainable practices in the case of aluminium packaging recycling. The study was conducted in the form of a survey, with data being gathered via questionnaires carried out "pre" and "post" workshop in schools of different regions of Spain in students between 8 and 12 years old. This study provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of the use of workshops to increase children's knowledge, awareness, and intention of recycling.
Early childhood education on sustainability has been an issue of high relevance in the last decade. In Spain, many different efforts have been made to increase children’s knowledge, skills, and awareness related to sustainability issues. However, uncertainty about the effectiveness of education on sustainable development exists. This research reports on an exploratory study organized by the association that promotes aluminum packaging recycling in Spain (Arpal). Seven teachers were trained on sustainability in general and on aluminum packaging recycling in particular. These teachers defined and implemented a teaching unit with active learning activities that involved three preschools. Fifty-four children under 6 years of age, mainly 2 and 3 years old, along with their parents, participated in the teaching unit. Qualitative and quantitative methods (questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus groups) were carried out to assess the impact. The results proved that different partners, such as children, parents, teachers, managers, and associations, can work together with the common goal of improving education on sustainable development in early childhood, and all of them benefit from this collaboration. Moreover, this study confirmed that education on sustainability should be embedded in the daily routine of preschools. Furthermore, after the exploratory study, the teaching unit was implemented in 29 Andalusian preschools.
Waste has become a real problem in developed countries; in Spain, municipal waste generated is higher than the European average. To encourage real change in citizens’ behaviour in order to achieve a more environmentally friendly society is essential for real sustainable development. The aim of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of workshops and text messages in promoting aluminum recycling among adolescents through quantitative and qualitative investigations, specifically focus groups and questionnaires to young people between 14 and 18 years old. The conclusions of this study provide elements of information that are of interest of those involved in the management of environmental information, and particularly in the designing of communication campaigns to promote recycling among young people more effectively.
Medio ambiente y relaciones públicas: planificación estratégica de campañas de comunicación ambiental en España Environment and public relations: strategic planning in environmental communication campaigns in Spain
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