The teacher Macarena Uría, a graduate of the National University of Río Cuarto, was selected among the 24 semifinalists of the national award “Inspiring Teachers” thanks to an educational project with environmental impact. From La Carlota, Córdoba, she leads an initiative that transforms cigarette butts into recycled paper.
The program, called “Your butt, our smart agenda”, involves students from the National Superior School of that locality. The proposal combines science, recycling, and environmental awareness, standing out among more than two thousand projects submitted nationwide.
The Varkey Foundation, promoter of the award, recognized the pedagogical and ecological value of the experience. Macarena was invited to present her work and share how the project promotes youth participation in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.
The process developed by the group includes the decontamination of the butts through an edible fungus and the subsequent artisanal production of paper, later used for agendas and calendars made by the students themselves.
Macarena Uría, the teacher who gave a new useful life to such a contaminating element as the cigarette butt. Photo: La Voz.
The power of science and education to transform waste
The applied technique is based on mycoremediation, a natural method where fungi help degrade contaminants. The butts, once colonized by the fungus Pleurotus ostreatus, go through a treatment cycle of approximately two months.
During this time, the students observe how the fungus grows and transforms a toxic waste into a reusable material. At the end, the obtained fibers are combined with carboxymethyl cellulose to produce a flexible paper, suitable for various uses.
In addition to reducing hazardous waste, the proposal seeks to spark interest in science and technology, showing how biotechnology can be an ally in the fight against environmental pollution.
The project continues to grow, and while awaiting the decision of the national award, the teacher and her students are planning new applications for the recycled paper and its integration into community actions.
Students transform cigarette butts into flexible paper. Photo: La Voz.
Cigarette butts: a silent threat to the environment
Although small and discarded almost thoughtlessly, cigarette butts are one of the most polluting waste in the world. It is estimated that about 4.5 trillion butts are thrown into the environment each year, containing residues of nicotine, tar, heavy metals, and microplastics.
Upon reaching the land or water, they release toxic substances that affect soils, rivers, and oceans, impacting fauna and flora. A single butt can contaminate up to 50 liters of drinking water or around one square meter of fertile soil.
Furthermore, their composition includes plastics that take decades to degrade, contributing to the serious problem of microplastics in natural ecosystems. That’s why initiatives like the one in La Carlota are essential to raise awareness about the importance of reducing this type of waste and promoting its proper treatment.
Macarena Uría’s project demonstrates that education can be a driver of change. By transforming a toxic waste into a useful resource, a critical and creative approach is promoted towards the environmental problems that affect us all.
