What do las pepenadores do?
scavenge the trash for plastic bottles
lead recycling programs in schools
teach children about indigenous groups
help schools in México establish recycling programs
Las pepenadoras scavenge the trash for plastic bottles, help schools in México establish recycling programs, and lead recycling programs in schools. They also educate children about the importance of recycling and contribute to efforts to reduce waste and protect the environment.
Use this passage to help you answer the question again. Answer according to the passage.
Did you know that México is one of the top countries in plastic bottle recycling? It even surpasses Canada and Los Estados Unidos! One of the main reasons that México has risen above the other countries is las pepenadores. Las pepenadores are people who scavenge through the trash to collect plastic bottles. Not only do las pepenadores earn money from the return of the recyclables, there are obvious benefits to the environment. By collecting and returning the recyclables, the containers are able to be reused and recycled. It’s because of las pepenadores that México has been able to recoup so much recyclable material, which has really made a difference.
One nonprofit organization, Ecology and Corporate Commitment (ECOCE), was created by companies in México’s plastic and bottling industries to create a constant supply of plastic within México. Through this program, las pepenadores can pick through the waste for recyclables and make a steady income. Not only does this reduce poverty, but its benefits for the environment are clear. ECOCE has been in existence for twelve years, and the programs are still going strong.
ECOCE has a program for schools called ECO-RETO en tu escuela. This helps get schools and young people involved! Schools register for the program, and students collect recyclables both at school and at home, and at the end of the year they return the bottles and receive a gift card for the school. I’d say that’s a program worth signing up for!